From Denny Walsh:
A federal magistrate judge issued a no-bail arrest warrant this morning for a Sacramento tax preparer and investment counselor accused by the Internal Revenue Service of stealing more than $8.5 million from his clients over the past five years.
William Murray has told tax agents that he used much of the money to support an extravagant lifestyle of "fine dining, travel, entertainment, attendance at professional sports events, the purchase and maintenance of three residential properties, and the establishment of a 10-vehicle-fleet limousine service called Luxury Limousine," according to an affidavit of an IRS special agent filed in support of the arrest warrant.
Special Agent Brian Goold said in the affidavit "it is possible substantial undisclosed funds remain available to (Murray) even now. (I) cannot say for certain. For this reason, the United States attorney's office has instructed (me) to seek an arrest warrant" to protect evidence, prevent further dissipation of assets, and assure that Murray doesn't flee.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Segal approved the affidavit.
The limo company he runs, Luxury Limousines of Sacramento, is apparently closed.
Last week, the financial allegations were reported by News10, where Murray, 55, has been an on-air financial expert giving tax tips for the TV station's midday news program.
According to complaints by at least two individuals in the News10 report, Murray placed thousands of dollars from his clients into a trust to pay their state and federal taxes but never delivered. They claim they're now stuck with unpaid tax bills and penalties.
Callers to his Fair Oaks Boulevard office, Murray & Young Accountancy, hear this message on Murray's personal voice mail: "I am temporarily away from the practice."
Murray, a licensed CPA, has a clean record of disciplinary action by the California Board of Accountancy, according to its Web site.
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