Battle Creek Woman Sentenced To 3 Years In Federal Prison For Filing False Tax Returns

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that U.S. District Judge Janet Neff sentenced Tammy Sue Burdette, 52, of Battle Creek, to 36 months in prison and ordered her to pay $569,852 in restitution for filing false tax returns.

          From 2009 through 2012, Burdette was employed as the office manager at VHC, PC and stole more than $3 million. Burdette wrote checks payable to herself from VHC’s bank account and spent the money gambling. Burdette failed to account for the money on her income tax returns.

          "The defendant, Tammy Sue Burdette, stole more than $3 million and willfully failed to report that income to the Internal Revenue Service. Her conduct deprived the American taxpayer of $569,852 in tax revenue," stated IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel. "As we approach the April 15 tax deadline, the public can rest assured that the special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to protect the U.S. tax system, ensuring everyone accurately reports their income and pays their fair share of taxes."

          The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler handled the prosecution.