FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2003
COLORADO MAN INDICTED FOR DEFRAUDING VAIL RESIDENT
DENVER – United States Attorney John W. Suthers and James D. Vickery, Special Agent In Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office, announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a 15 count indictment charging JACK J. CURTIN-HILL, age 56, of Denver, Colorado, with bank fraud, making false statements in tax returns and failure to file a tax return.
The indictment alleges that while serving as the personal secretary and bookkeeper for Blanche C. Hill, JACK J. CURTIN-HILL, the adopted son of Ms. Hill, maintained her personal financial records, including the preparation of monthly reconciliations of her records with those provided by First Bank of Vail. He also had signature authority over many of her financial accounts. From August 14, 1995, through September 4, 1998, CURTIN-HILL allegedly executed a scheme to defraud First Bank of Vail and to obtain assets, securities, and other property under the custody and control of First Bank of Vail belonging to Ms. Hill by means of material false and fraudulent representations. The indictment alleges that CURTIN-HILL obtained and sold First Bank Holding Company securities from the First Bank of Vail, without the knowledge of Ms. Hill. He is also alleged to have forged Ms. Hill’s signature on stock certificates representing approximately 435 shares, worth around $1,280,250.
Approximately $919,420.45 of the more than $1 million in stock sale proceeds was allegedly diverted to other accounts under his control, and used for his personal benefit. On April 15, 1997, CURTIN-HILL failed to report income of approximately $94,000 on his federal income tax return. On April 15, 1998, CURTIN-HILL filed another federal income tax return which failed to report an extra $402,885.92 of total income. During the calendar year 1998, he had also received gross income in excess of $422,391.90, and did not file a federal income tax return to report these earnings as required by law.
“Those seeking to defraud elderly victims will be the target of vigorous prosecution,” said John W. Suthers, United States Attorney for Colorado.
“Putting an end to high-dollar tax frauds associated with sophisticated financial crimes continues to be one of our priorities,” said James D. Vickery, Special Agent In Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office.
If convicted CURTIN-HILL could receive up to 30 years in federal prison and fines of over $1 million. He could also be required to pay restitution.
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agents. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Kirsch.
For more information about Tax Fraud see http://www.treas.gov/irs/ci.
The charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
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