Civil Audit vs Criminal Tax Investigation – Robert Nordlander
In this episode, your host, Robert Nordlander, discusses the difference between a civil tax audit and a criminal tax investigation. The stakes are at the highest in a criminal tax investigation. Therefore, not just any CPA or forensic accountant should be hired by a taxpayer or taxpayer’s attorney. Even if the expert is a former IRS employee doesn’t make them the best choice.
Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) – Natalie Lewis at Windham Brannon
Natalie Lewis is a CPA, forensic accountant, and principal with the CPA firm Windham Brannon in Atlanta, GA. She earned a CFF (Certified in Financial Forensics) which is an additional credential for CPAs.
Tennessee Money Cop – Mike Dunavant with TN Comptroller of the Treasury
Mike Dunavant is the Chief Investigative Counsel for the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. He is a former state prosecutor and former US Attorney for the Western District of TN. The Comptroller is known as the “Money Cop” to ensure that fraud, waste and abuse are investigated in the state and local government.
Cash Skimming – Sandy Boxerman at Capes Sokol
Sandy Boxerman is a founding member of the law firm Capes Sokol in St. Louis, Missouri. He defends individuals and corporations in white collar investigations and prosecutions. He also represents taxpayers in civil and criminal tax matters.
Homeland Security Investigations – Derek Benner
Derek Benner is a former Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and currently Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Special Services.
From Forensic Accounting to Writing Financial Fiction Thrillers – Tom Golden
Tom Golden retired as a partner from PricewaterhouseCoopers. At the end of his forensic accounting career, he started writing financial fiction thrillers inspired by real events he experienced. His first book “Sunday Night Fears” is about his first public company audit as a new auditor where he discovered a large financial fraud. His second book “One Honest Soul” is about his travels to a foreign country uncovering public corruption.
From Classroom to Courtroom Expert – Dr. Rich Brody of University of New Mexico
Dr. Rich Brody is an accounting professor and department chair at the University of New Mexico. Almost 20 years ago, he started his forensic accounting career while as an academic. With his CFE credentials, CPA license and PhD in Accounting, he shares his insight as an expert witness and published author in forensic accounting.
Fruitcake Fraud – Nick Bunch at Haynes and Boone
Nick Bunch is a former Assistant United States Attorney and currently a partner with the law firm Haynes and Boone in Dallas, Texas. One of his prosecutions was on a $17 million embezzlement from Collin Street Bakery, a Texas company that is world famous for its fruitcake.
United States Attorney – Ryan Patrick
Ryan Patrick is a former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. He also has experience as a state prosecutor and state judge. He currently is a partner with the law firm Haynes and Boone in Houston, Texas.
Teaching Forensic Accountants About Lawyers – Michelle Schwerin
Michelle Schwerin is a tax litigator and white collar criminal defense attorney with the law firm Capes Sokol. She teaches forensic accounting at Webster University, where she uses her talents as both a CPA and lawyer to train forensic accountants on how to deal with lawyers.