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Band directors require special skills to help their students prepare for a variety of performances including, but not limited to parades, half-time shows at football games and concerts. (They generally have a music degree, are musically talented, have the patience and ability to teach students, are good fiscal managers since many do not get a very big budget to work with and they must be trustworthy, considering they are working with youth.) An article published by The Washington Times tells about a former Florida high school band director who took advantage of his position and skill set to steal the identities of former students and others to commit tax fraud to the tune of more than $129,000.
The article states that the former band director came under the scrutiny of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after investigators noticed more than 400 suspicious tax returns were filed from his home address over three months. (What is even more noticeable is that the tax returns were seeking refunds of more than $750,000. Unfortunately, the IRS issued refunds worth more than $129,000.) A subsequent search of his apartment revealed personal identifying information for thousands of individuals. (That must have struck a note of discord with authorities.)
The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and possession of unauthorized access devices. He is facing a mandatory two years in federal prison with the possibility of an additional 10-year term. He must also pay restitution of more than $129,000.
This fraudster obviously marched to the beat of a different drummer. (Instead of helping his talented students succeed, he used his unique set of skills to defraud his innocent victims who most likely had come to trust and admire him as a teacher.) This man’s prison sentence will probably still allow him to practice his marching although in straight lines behind other prisoners, but there’s a good chance he’ll be playing a sad tune for the foreseeable future.
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