In a recent criminal case, an IRS contractor by the name of Charles Littlejohn has pleaded guilty to stealing and disclosing tax return information without authorization. Littlejohn, who worked for an unnamed consulting firm that served public and private clients, had access to tax returns through his contracts with the IRS. From 2018 to 2020, he illicitly obtained tax returns associated with a person referred to as “Public Official A” and disclosed this information to media outlets. The breaches in privacy and trust have serious implications, and Littlejohn is now facing the consequences of his actions.
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Background
IRS contractor pleads guilty
An IRS contractor, Charles Littlejohn, has pleaded guilty to disclosing tax return information without authorization. Littlejohn was initially charged on September 29, 2023, with one count of disclosing tax return information without authorization. According to court documents, Littlejohn worked as a government contractor for an unnamed consulting firm that serviced public and private clients.
Charges filed against Charles Littlejohn
Littlejohn has pleaded guilty to the unauthorized disclosure of tax return information. He waived the right to an indictment, indicating his admission of guilt. The charges were filed on September 29, 2023, alleging that he stole and disclosed tax return information without proper authorization.
Details of the case
From 2017 to 2021, Littlejohn worked on contracts obtained through the IRS as part of his role as a government contractor for the consulting firm. During this time, he had access to tax returns and return information for the purpose of tax administration. However, between 2018 and 2020, Littlejohn stole tax returns and return information associated with a person referred to as “Public Official A” in court documents. Public Official A is widely believed to be former President Donald Trump. Littlejohn then disclosed the stolen tax information to a media outlet referred to as “News Organization 1” in court documents. In September 2020, News Organization 1 published a series of articles about Public Official A’s tax returns. Littlejohn also turned over returns and return information spanning more than 15 years to “News Organization 2,” which published over 50 articles using the stolen data.
Job Description
Littlejohn’s role as a government contractor
Charles Littlejohn was employed as a government contractor for an unspecified consulting firm. His role involved working on contracts that the firm had obtained through the IRS. As an IRS contractor, Littlejohn had access to tax returns and return information, which he used for tax administration purposes.
Work on contracts obtained through the IRS
During his employment as a government contractor, Littlejohn worked on contracts that were secured through the IRS. These contracts involved providing services related to tax administration and required access to tax returns and return information.
Theft and Disclosure
Stealing tax returns and return information
Between 2018 and 2020, Littlejohn stole tax returns and return information associated with “Public Official A.” Public Official A is widely speculated to be former President Donald Trump. Littlejohn’s unauthorized access allowed him to obtain confidential tax information that he was not authorized to possess.
Disclosure to media outlets
Littlejohn disclosed the stolen tax information to two separate media outlets. The first media outlet, referred to as “News Organization 1,” published a series of articles about Public Official A’s tax returns in September 2020. The second media outlet, called “News Organization 2,” received returns and return information spanning over 15 years and published over 50 articles based on the stolen data.
News Organization 1
Publication of articles about Public Official A’s tax returns
News Organization 1, likely referring to The New York Times, published a series of articles in September 2020 based on the tax returns of Public Official A. The articles revealed confidential tax information and were likely obtained through Littlejohn’s unauthorized disclosure.
Additional Disclosures
Turnover of returns and information to News Organization 2
Littlejohn provided News Organization 2, which is not specifically named in the charges, with returns and return information dating back more than 15 years. News Organization 2 published over 50 articles using the stolen data, according to court documents. This aligns with reporting by Pro Publica in 2021.
Publication of articles by Pro Publica
Pro Publica published multiple articles based on the stolen returns and return information received from Littlejohn. The organization utilized the confidential tax data to produce over 50 articles, shedding light on the wealth and financial activities of numerous individuals.
Method of Access
Accessing returns on an IRS database
Littlejohn gained access to tax returns and return information through an IRS database. His role as a government contractor allowed him to retrieve this sensitive information for tax administration purposes.
Use of broad search parameters
To conceal the true purpose of his queries and evade detection, Littlejohn utilized broad search parameters when accessing the IRS database. By doing so, he attempted to remain undetected while extracting tax returns and return information.
Evading IRS protocols
Littlejohn managed to evade IRS protocols that were implemented to detect and prevent large downloads or uploads from IRS devices or systems. These protocols are in place to safeguard sensitive taxpayer information and prevent unauthorized disclosure or theft.
Personal Storage Devices
Saving tax returns to multiple personal devices
After stealing tax returns and return information, Littlejohn saved the confidential data to multiple personal storage devices. This allowed him to retain copies of the stolen information for personal use or for future disclosure.
Use of an iPod for storage
Among the personal storage devices used by Littlejohn was an iPod. The iPod served as a means for him to store and transport the stolen tax returns and return information. This demonstrates the deliberate efforts made by Littlejohn to retain unauthorized access to the confidential data.
Legal Consequences
Violation of section 7213(a)(1) of the tax code
Littlejohn’s actions constitute a violation of section 7213(a)(1) of the tax code, which prohibits the unauthorized disclosure of tax return and return information. By stealing and disclosing this confidential data, Littlejohn breached federal law and undermined the trust placed in him as a government contractor.
Sentencing and potential penalty
Charles Littlejohn is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2024. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the unauthorized disclosure of tax return and return information. The severity of the penalty reflects the gravity of Littlejohn’s actions and the need to deter similar breaches of trust in the future.
Department of Justice Statement
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s comments
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland acknowledges the significant breach of trust committed by Charles Littlejohn. He emphasizes that Littlejohn’s use of his role as a government contractor to gain access to private tax information, steal that information, and disclose it publicly is a clear violation of federal law. The Department of Justice aims to follow the facts in every case and hold accountable those who engage in illegal activities.
Commitment to following the facts and holding accountable
The Department of Justice reaffirms its commitment to following the facts and ensuring that individuals who illegally exploit their access to sensitive personal information are held accountable. The unauthorized theft and disclosure of tax return information by government employees or contractors is a serious breach of the public’s trust. The Department will take appropriate action to address such breaches and protect sensitive taxpayer data.
Conclusion
Summary of the case
Charles Littlejohn, an IRS contractor, has pleaded guilty to stealing and disclosing tax return information without authorization. He accessed tax returns on an IRS database, stole the information using broad search parameters to evade detection, and saved the stolen data to multiple personal devices, including an iPod. Littlejohn disclosed the confidential tax information to media outlets, resulting in the publication of articles by News Organization 1 and News Organization 2. His actions violated section 7213(a)(1) of the tax code and betrayed the public’s trust.
Upcoming sentencing for Charles Littlejohn
Charles Littlejohn is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2024. The potential penalty for his unauthorized disclosure of tax return and return information is a maximum of five years in prison. The Department of Justice remains committed to upholding the law and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
