Former Bookkeeper Convicted of Tax Crimes
Sophia Kim, also known as Sookyeong Kim Sebold, a former resident of McLean, was convicted of embezzling more than $800,000 from the Korean Cultural and Freedom Foundation (KCFF) and failing to report the income on her tax returns.
Neil H. MacBride, United States attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division Kathryn Keneally; Rick A. Raven, special agent in charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation’s Washington, D.C., Field Office, made the announcement.
Sebold was convicted of one count of filing a false 2005 tax return, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, and one count of tax evasion for the year 2005, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for March 1, 2013, before United States District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.
Evidence at trial established that Sebold worked for the KCFF, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange through the sponsorship of the Universal Ballet Company (UBC) and other performing art events. UBC was founded by the Unification Church International (UCI) and Reverend Sun Myung Moon, and KCFF was funded primarily by UCI.
The evidence at trial proved that in 2005, Sebold embezzled more than $400,000 from KCFF’s bank accounts for her own benefit and used these funds for day trading, gambling and other personal expenses. She did not report these funds on her 2005 individual income tax return, resulting in her failure to pay more than $130,000 in taxes. In addition, the evidence at trial established that Sebold had also embezzled funds from KCFF in 2002, 2003, and 2004, for a total of more than $800,000 in unreported income.
McLean Woman’s Club Donates $1,000 to McLean Symphony
The Woman’s Club of McLean donated $1,000 to the McLean Symphony at its Christmas concert in the Community Center’s Alden Theater on Sunday, Dec. 16. The presentation was made by club First Vice President Mildred Thompson to Maestro Dingwall Fleary at the start of the second half of the program. “Dingwall and the board very much appreciate the Woman’s Club of McLean’s continued and generous support of the McLean Symphony,” said Veronica Royal, orchestra spokesman.
The Woman’s Club is a tax-exempt, nonprofit service organization that has supported the McLean community since 1958. It will be celebrating its 55th anniversary in March 2013.
Farmers Markets Seek Market Masters
Fairfax County Farmers Markets are currently seeking committed, friendly individuals to serve as market masters and market master assistants for the 2013 season in McLean (Lewinsville Park). Volunteers supervise the timely set-up, opening, operation and closing of this fresh produce market throughout the market season (May-November). Training and orientation will start in the beginning of 2013. During the market season, time commitment is Fridays 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Interested individuals may contact Kristine.mosuela@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-642-5173.
McLean Community Foundation Calls for Proposals
The McLean Community Foundation is calling for proposals for grants to non-profit organizations that serve the greater McLean community. MCF is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community.
Proposals must be received by Feb. 1, 2013.
Prospective applicants should consult the McLean Community Foundation web site for details of the application process: www.mcleancommunityfoundation.org.