ENUMCLAW — An Enumclaw couple accused of diverting more than $400,000 in local tax dollars over a six-year period was charged Monday in Seattle, announced U.S. District Attorney Brian T. Moran.
According to the criminal complaint, Allan Thomas served as the King County Commissioner for Drainage District 5 for 35 years. In 2012, Joann Thomas allegedly set up a joint bank account with one of Allan Thomas' sons — a business account for a company named A C Services.
Allan Thomas allegedly had more than $413,000 of local tax dollars paid to the A C Services account over the next six years and claimed that it was compensation for drainage ditch maintenance.
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However, according to the complaint, Thomas' son claims that he did not perform any drainage ditch maintenance, aside from two small jobs in 2012. According to the complaint, financial records indicate that money from the A C Services account was quickly transferred to other accounts belonging to the Thomases shortly after being deposited.
The criminal complaint also alleges that in 2018, after the couple became aware of an investigation into their dealings, they began funneling the tax dollars through a company called City Biz.
Similarly, the couple allegedly transferred City Biz funds that were disguised as drainage compensation into their personal accounts.
In total, the complaint alleges that the Thomases stole $468,165 in tax dollars.
Mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Cox Media Group
