BUNNELL, Fla. — Multiple local and federal agencies are investigating fraud accusations against a Bunnell tax service.
Authorities began investigating Flagler Tax Service on Moody Boulevard on Aug. 25 after several people called the Flagler County Sheriff's Office saying they had been defrauded by Robert 'Bob' Newsholme, the FCSO said.
Newsholme, 66, has a long criminal history dating back to the 1970s in New York City that includes Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny, Issuing Bad Checks with Knowledge, Forgery, and Scheme to Defraud, with the most recent charge for Defraud in 2004. Newsom is not a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
On Sep. 3, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, IRS and Volusia County Sheriff's Office carried out a search warrant at Flagler Tax Service, according to the FCSO. Authorities seized multiple computers, files and other evidence that may shed light on a potential large-scale scheme to defraud clients, the sheriff's office said.
Investigators believe Newsholme may be responsible for $189,871 of missing funds in at least 12 cases. Some of the charges alleged against Newsholme are Grand Theft, Organized Scheme to Defraud, and Embezzlement.
“At this time, we have no indication that any other Flagler Tax Service employees took part in or had knowledge of any illegal activity,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Thousands of documents and forensic material are being analyzed as the investigation continues. It’s unfortunate that someone who was trusted in the community would take advantage of so many people that trusted him. Our investigators will not rest until the victims are identified and the suspect is held accountable for his actions.”
