The chief of staff for Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson (D) faces federal charges accusing him of not filing tax returns for five years in a row.
The Internal Revenue Services says Lanier Avant maintained he was exempt from federal income taxes. He’s served on Thompson’s staff for 14 years.
The Democratic staffer earned $170,000 per annually for 2009 through 2013. The charges carry up to five years in prison.
Congressman Thompson said in a statement:
“After learning of these accusations, I spoke to Mr. Avant and he assured me that when the proper forum is provided to him, he will fully explain this situation,” Thompson said. “Until such time, I trust that everyone will afford Mr. Avant the presumption of innocence to which all Americans are constitutionally entitled.”
Russ Jones is the Editor-In-Chief for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at russ.jones@hottytoddy.com.
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