ACLJ CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT PROSECUTOR AS IRS INSPECTOR GENERAL REVEALS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION NOW UNDERWAY IN IRS TARGETING SCHEME

(Washington, DC) - The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which represents dozens of organizations in a federal lawsuit challenging the IRS, said today the revelation by the IRS Inspector General that a criminal investigation is now underway into former top IRS official Lois Lerner’s emails underscores the need for an independent prosecutor to get to the bottom of this unlawful targeting scheme.

In testimony before the House Oversight Committee, Deputy Inspector General Timothy P. Camus said “there is potential criminal activity” after discovering hundreds of back-up tapes that could include more of Lerner’s emails that were reported missing. The back-up tapes, according to Camus, were retrieved just two weeks ago after the IRS chief told Congress that they were irretrievably destroyed.

“We have seen a deliberate and systematic effort by the IRS to delay, deflect, and deceive Congress in its effort to hold those responsible for this unlawful targeting scheme accountable,” said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ. “We’re encouraged by the announcement of a criminal probe now underway by the IRS watchdog group. With this development, it is clearer than ever, that an independent prosecutor must be appointed – a move that would greatly assist in the recovery of evidence and bring an end to the repeated stonewalling by the IRS.”
While this case has been underway for years, the American people understand the severity of this targeting scandal and still want justice.

The ACLJ has already heard from more than 125,000 Americans who are demanding an independent prosecutor to get to the bottom of this scandal.

In its federal lawsuit, the ACLJ originally represented 41 organizations in 22 states. Two of those organizations have now decided to end their involvement in the case because of the lengthy appeals process. Of the 39 groups remaining, 29 organizations received tax-exempt status afterlengthy delays, 3 are still pending, and 7 withdrew applications because of frustration with the IRS process.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, is based in Washington, D.C.