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FDLE arrests local businessman in tax scheme for racketeering, grand theft

 
HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Major Callahan, Jr., today on charges of conspiracy to commit racketeering and grand theft.
 
Callahan operated three Pointe 1 Tax Services offices within Highlands County. According to investigators, Callahan used these offices to defraud victims out of out of more than $50,000 in tax refunds. At least 24 victims were identified as having their refunds stolen, or attempted to be stolen, by Callahan through Pointe 1 between 2012 and 2015.
 
FDLE investigators, with help from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service, believe Callahan, or his co-conspirators, filed federal tax returns with the victims’ information, then forging their signatures on refund checks in order to convert the funds to their own use. The investigation into the conspiracy is ongoing.
 
Callahan turned himself into the Highlands County Jail.  This case will be prosecuted by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution. 
 
For further information contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary or Jeremy Burns
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001

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FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.