Former city treasurer convicted of grand theft, tax evasion

BOISE, Idaho — Nov. 21, 2024 — A former treasurer for the City of Hauser and finance director for the City of Rathdrum is on probation for grand theft and state income tax evasion after embezzling money from a local youth sports league.

The Kootenai County District Court sentenced Melissa Ann Taylor, of Hauser, ID, to four years of supervised probation and ordered her to pay nearly $32,000 in restitution. The court also ordered Taylor to complete 200 hours of community service.

Between 2019 and 2021, Taylor took advantage of her position as volunteer treasurer for a youth tackle football league to embezzle funds. She wrote unauthorized checks from the league’s bank account to herself for cash and to make payments on her personal auto and home equity loans. To conceal the theft, Taylor presented altered financial reports and account statements to fellow board members at monthly meetings.

According to the Idaho State Tax Commission, Taylor willfully evaded taxes on her 2019, 2020, and 2021 Idaho individual income tax returns by failing to report embezzled funds.

“Intentionally providing false or incomplete information on a tax return constitutes fraud,” stated Tax Commission Chairman Jeff McCray. “Taxpayers must accurately report all income on tax returns, regardless of the income source.”

The Tax Commission discovers tax crime by routinely analyzing tax returns and conducting tax audits, as well as through tips from law enforcement, other state agencies, and the public.

To report tax crime, email the Tax Commission’s fraud unit at fraud@tax.idaho.gov or complete the online fraud referral form at tax.idaho.gov/fraud. You can choose to remain anonymous.