IRS Agent Charged With Soliciting Bribe

An IRS agent was charged Monday with soliciting a $25,000 bribe from a Century City attorney and promising to reduce the lawyer’s back taxes by $100,000, officials said.

Larry L. Wilson, 41, of Alhambra was arrested Friday after he accepted an envelope from the lawyer containing what he thought was $25,000 in cash, said Assistant U.S. Atty. Jeffrey C. Eglash.

A criminal complaint unsealed at Wilson’s arraignment Monday charges him with one count of federal bribery charges, Eglash said. He was released on $50,000 bond.

Wilson was conducting a routine audit of attorney Joseph D. Davis’ tax returns when he solicited the bribe, according to the complaint.

“Wilson took Davis out into the hallway and told Davis that he could save him over $100,000 for a $25,000 payment,” according to the complaint. “Davis replied that he would think about Wilson’s offer overnight.”

Davis notified the Internal Revenue Service and agreed to cooperate with authorities.

“Wilson said there was no risk,” according to the complaint, “and agreed to meet with Davis later that day in Davis’ office.”

When Wilson returned, their conversation was electronically monitored by IRS investigators. Wilson again solicited the bribe, according to the complaint.

Wilson then prepared a fraudulent audit report. He and Davis agreed to meet Friday, so Davis could give him the $25,000, the complaint says. After the envelope changed hands, federal agents arrested Wilson.

Wilson is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 13, and for post-indictment arraignment on Oct. 19.

If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison plus fines.