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Tax preparer charged with stealing $200K from state

Sat, 25 May 2013 13:08:31 -0400

TYRONE, Ga. (WSB) -- A local tax preparer is in jail, accused of cheating the state out of at least $100,000.

Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri was the only reporter with state investigators and the Fayette County DA's Office as they pulled boxes of documents, computers and confiscated cars from the woman's home Friday.

Investigators at the Department of Revenue started looking into Thessia Carpenter and her company in March.

They said she forged paperwork to get clients huge tax refunds -- money that those people may now have to pay back.

"Did you want to say anything to taxpayers? Did you commit forgery?" Viteri asked Carpenter as she was being taken into custody.

"No, I did not," she replied.

Carpenter denied forging documents for tax breaks as deputies restrained her and took her into custody outside her Tyrone home Friday morning.

Viteri watched as investigators pulled bags and boxes of evidence from the home, along with two file cabinets.

"Everybody wants a refund at the end of the year and she was getting big refunds for people. And through word of mouth she was able to build a big client base," Chief Josh Waites of the Georgia Department of Revenue told Viteri.

Waites said Carpenter's tax preparation side business, T & C Financial, was booming.

Investigators seized two Mercedes. Paperwork for one shows a down payment of $15,000, paid for, they said, with a check from T & C Financial.

This year alone the state has paid out around $200,000 in refunds to the company; refunds Waites said Carpenter falsely obtained.

"She was completely fabricating deductions and then when we asked for supporting documents she was forging those documents and sending those in to us," Waites said.

In a T & C financial Facebook post, Carpenter references the state's requests for information saying, "If you receive one please fax a copy to me…they have 200 million dollars to finance for the new falcon stadium; we the taxpayers will take the hit for this…sorry!!!!"

But investigators said Carpenter's clients are now the ones who will likely have to pay for trusting her.

"If you get a refund that's triple the amount you've gotten in the last few years, you need to ask questions," Waites said.

Investigators said this is a reminder to taxpayers to read your return before signing and work with a reputable tax preparer.

This investigation isn't over. They're still working to arrest a colleague of Carpenter's who was also allegedly involved. Carpenter is in the Fayette County Jail facing several charges including forgery.

Opting out of student sex survey costs Georgia $2 million

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:14:17 -0400

ATLANTA, Ga. (WSB) -- Action News has learned a federal government survey that includes controversial questions about sex for middle and high school students may cost Georgia nearly $2 million in federal funding.

The survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks children anonymously about their health habits.

However, a spokesman for Gov. Nathan Deal said the governor does not feel it is appropriate to ask children about their sexual habits.

“Georgia has the right to not ask 12-year-olds if they've had more than six sexual partners,” spokesman Brian Robinson told Channel 2 political reporter Lori Geary.

“We don’t think a 12-year-old should be asked ‘When did you start your sexual activity?’” Robinson said. “I think Georgians are going to stand with Gov. Deal in this decision.”

The CDC survey includes seven questions about sexual behavior, in addition to questions about suicide, tobacco and drug habits. Questions include, “How old were you when you first had sexual intercourse?”

Starting in 2013, the CDC survey is now tied to federal funding. Opting out of the survey would cost the state nearly $2 million for HIV/AIDS prevention awareness funding.

Parent Adrienne Rushin did not have a problem with the questions.

“I absolutely think they should ask those questions, because they definitely understand what you’re saying, what you’re talking about,” she said.

Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, told Geary it’s shameful that the state is one of only five refusing to take part in the survey.

“I do think leaders of the state are out of touch with what’s going on. Georgia does have one of the highest HIV infection rates in the country, and we have got to begin to address that,” Graham said.

Georgia students will get the partial survey, according to Robinson. Their version will not include the questions about sexual activity.

Autopsy inconclusive on local teen who died at house party

Fri, 24 May 2013 16:11:55 -0400

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- The medical examiner in Glynn County says the autopsy results on a Georgia teenager came back inconclusive.

Dalton Collins, 18, died during a party at a home that he and his friends rented out to celebrate graduation.

Police said he may have had too much alcohol. A friend told Action News that he saw Dalton funneling drinks and, at one point, hit his head on a chimney and stumbled.

The Glynn County Medical Examiner said there is no obvious cause of death. Authorities are waiting on toxicology results, which could take up to two months.

Collins attended Glynn Academy in Brunswick.

Man who shot wife 8 times gets 35-year sentence

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:47:00 -0400

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. -- A Sandy Springs man who shot his wife eight times outside their apartment has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Michael Parson was convicted of aggravated assault and attempted murder for the April 2012 shooting. His now ex-wife, Adina Broome, is confined to a wheelchair, partially blind and barely able to speak as a result.

WSB’s Mike Petchenik was there for the sentencing hearing Friday. The judge noted that the 35-year maximum sentencing for the case was too low. She also said she hopes Broome finds closure.

Prosecutors said Parson was living a double life, engaged to a Petland co-worker at the time of the murder. They said he told the woman Broome was his aunt.

Parson told police he was at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Decatur when his wife was shot, but phone records linked him to their apartment complex. On Friday, his mother maintained his innocence, saying he’s not the monster he appears to be.

Broome’s friends and family also addressed the court during the sentencing hearing.

“After all this, she still forgives,” Broome’s friend said.

VIDEO: wbstv.com

City workers protest outside Atlanta City Hall

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:55:00 -0400

ATLANTA -- Dozens of Atlanta city workers gathered outside City Hall on Thursday morning to fight for a pay raise.

WSBTV’s Ryan Young went to the rally, where about 70 police officers, firefighters and other city workers were marching and chanting.

"We're just sick and tired of the city not investing in us," retired officer Carrie Mills said.

Last week, Mayor Kasim Reed offered a one percent salary increase to more than 6,300 city employees who make less than $60,000 per year. The group is demanding at least a five percent raise. Protesters said the mayor's offer is not enough in light of the rise in health care and pension costs.

The workers have also used billboards around Atlanta to express their demands. They say, “First to respond, Last to get paid.” The signs also say the city council received a 52 percent salary increase.

The protesters plan on reconvening at a city finance meeting set for 2 p.m.

St. Marys airport runway lights damaged

Wed, 22 May 2013 21:09:20 -0400

ST. MARYS, Ga -- Vandalism at the airport becomes an expensive fix.

The St. Marys Police Department is investigating after 21 runway lights were damaged at the St. Marys airport on May 7. According to police, the damage is significant and will be very costly for the city to repair.

The police department has no leads or witnesses. The city of St. Marys is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

If you have any information, call Lt. Johnny Guy at (912) 510-0436

Falcons granted $200 million loan by NFL

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:07:47 -0400

BOSTON (AP) — NFL owners have approved a $200 million loan for construction of a new stadium in Atlanta.

The Falcons received the money Tuesday at the NFL's spring meetings. The multipurpose stadium could cost as much as $1 billion.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank says the approval is an "important milestone in moving the new stadium project forward." Blank says the design and construction will take place over the next four years.

The stadium will be built with $200 million from public bonds, with the rest coming from Blank. The Georgia Dome, which opened in 1992, will be demolished when the new stadium opens.

Plans call for the Falcons to open the 2017 season in the new building.

Tea party groups plan IRS protest in Atlanta

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:19:00 -0400

ATLANTA (AP) --Tea party groups are planning a protest at the Georgia Capitol over the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service during the 2010 and 2012 elections.

It's one of several planned across the country on Tuesday. In Cincinnati, tea party activists will be protesting outside the IRS office that handled group applications for tax-exempt status. IRS officials have acknowledged that some conservative groups received inappropriate attention and questioning.

In Atlanta, the event is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Gov. Nathan Deal is among those expected to attend.

Debbie Dooley with Tea Party Patriots says the extra scrutiny cost her group at least $250,000 in legal fees. She says the IRS wanted the group's donor list, volunteer names, copies of emails and copies of supporters' comments on Facebook.

Metro woman describes waiting to hear from parents in Moore, Okla.

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:11:00 -0400

ATLANTA -- Metro Atlantans with family in Oklahoma are paying particular attention to new developments coming out of the areas affected by Monday's storm.

Also, many organizations are gearing up to send help to the Oklahoma City area.

The Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief told Channel 2's 2 Amy Napier Viteri that in the coming days it will send mobile command centers to Oklahoma to help with relief efforts there.

A supply truck will be leaving Tuesday afternoon as well.

Viteri also talked with a metro Atlanta woman who grew up in Moore, Okla., one of the hardest hit areas from Monday's storm. She told Viteri about the tense moments waiting to find out her parents were OK.

"My heart it was pounding, pounding so hard," said Sandra Fairies who watched with the rest of the country as the huge tornado barreled through Moore at speeds of 200 mph.

Fairies' parents' home is blocks from the worst damage. Thirty-eight worry-filled minutes passed before they were able to tell her they were OK.

"I was just concerned that the house had fallen down around them because the news people said that it hit right at their subdivision," Faires told Viteri.

Faires said she's lived through three tornadoes. She remembers the damage from the deadly 1999 twister. But watching the terrifying images live and not being there with her loved ones was different.

"To actually see it and the video pictures of it, it's more terrifying knowing you've got loved ones in it," Faires said.

Most disturbing was this damage to a local elementary school where the storm killed at least seven children. Many of Faires' former classmates now have grandkids at the school. She's waiting to hear if they're OK.

"When a tornado like this drops down you literally just have to start from scratch and you go from 0 to 100 mph in about 10, 15 seconds," said Fritz Wilson with the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.

Wilson said relief efforts for the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief began immediately. Crews will fill a truck with roofing supplies and water Tuesday morning and head for Oklahoma.

Faires, a former Delta employee, is also trying to fly to Oklahoma to volunteer.

"Being that close to it yet so far away makes it even harder you just want to be there to help," Faires said.

Weekend storms leave major damage around Atlanta

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:54:00 -0400

HALL COUNTY, Ga. -- Warmer temperatures and sunny skies will return on Monday, but many people are dealing with damage that weekend storms left behind.

Channel 2 Action News crews saw fallen trees, washed-out roads and flooding throughout the metro area.

Flowery Branch Mayor Mike Miller declared a state of emergency for the city.

This comes after the "determination that the flash flooding that occurred within the city threatened the loss of life and property, as well as created a major disruption of routine affairs, business and government operations within the city."

As a result of this declaration, Miller has the authority to implement local emergency measures to protect life and property or to take appropriate measures to bring the emergency situation under control, according to a statement from the City of Flowery Branch.

Floods on Stephens Road in Flowery Branch created a dangerous attraction for residents. A large section of the road was washed out, leaving a huge hole. Atlanta Highway, a major thoroughfare in Flowery Branch, is flooded and impassable. Drivers are advised to avoid the area.

The storm left thousands of Cobb County residents without power.

Powder Springs officials said five power poles were down Sunday evening.

Jay Winters was in the thick of the mess. He was looking for his dogs when he watched a big tree come crashing down near Paris Avenue.

"I thought I was about to get killed or something," he told Channel 2's Liz Artz.

At least three trees fell within a block of each other in the area, leaving the neighborhood without electricity.

"I'm thinking of my stuff in my freezer fridge melting right now," said Claire Johnson, noting the storm was the worst she's seen as a Cobb resident of 42 years.

"The sky was black-looking; wind blowing like crazy," she told Artz.

About five miles away, another massive tree fell across Dillard Street in Powder Springs.

In Forsyth County, drivers faced several road closures due to flooding. In addition to Nicholson Road, Old Federal Road has been shut down. Officials said Parks Road off Highway 306 is washed out. Officials warn that Sanders Road between Mary Alice Park and Timberlake Trail could collapse due to flood damage.

A driver got stuck on Nicholson Road while attempting to drive around barricades in northwest Forsyth. A photo of the ordeal was sent to Channel 2 Action News, showing water up to the SUV’s headlights. Officials said the driver was able to make it to safer ground.

In Lawrenceville, lightning destroyed a home on Egret Court. Lightning struck about 6 a.m., first hitting an upstairs bedroom and then sparking a fire. Authorities said the family was home at the time, but no one was hurt.

All the rain forced officials to close two bridges in Johns Creek in north Fulton. The Buice Road and Parsons Road bridges were reopened Sunday night. Officials said a tree fell and took down some power lines at Parsons Bridge. They closed Buice as a precaution when the water levels started to rise.

Meanwhile, authorities have deemed the Chattahoochee River a health threat.

The E coli count is more than 32,000 near Medlock Bridge Road. That total is nearly 140 times the level when officials issued an alert.

Channel 2’s Tom Regan took iPhone video of Chattahoochee's high water along Riverside Drive under Georgia 400 in Roswell. Park benches are partially submerged.

It is still unclear if heavy rains contributed to a multiple-vehicle crash at Interstate 985 northbound at exit 14. But the crash forced authorities to close the road among others in south Hall County. Channel 2 crews are following up on whether anyone was hurt in the crash.

VIDEO: wsbtv.com