A Missoula accountant, William Arthur Clawson, admitted to charges of fraud and obstruction in a case involving the misuse of client funds intended for income taxes. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the plea today.
Clawson, aged 54, appeared before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy and pleaded guilty to wire fraud and corrupt endeavor to obstruct the administration of internal revenue laws. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud, along with five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the obstruction charge. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, and Clawson was released pending further proceedings.
According to court documents, Clawson must pay restitution of at least $1,158,811.40 to his victims as part of a plea agreement.
The government claims that between 2016 and 2021, Clawson defrauded clients through his businesses Quantum Business Solutions and Endeavor Financial Insights by promising tax assessment services. Clients paid him cash meant for tax payments which he instead used for personal expenses. As a result, many clients unknowingly fell behind on their taxes.
In one instance from 2019 to 2020, when an IRS revenue officer contacted one of Clawson's clients about unpaid taxes, Clawson instructed them not to communicate with the IRS directly. He falsely reported cash flow issues to delay tax collection efforts while concealing his misuse of funds.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s office following an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation.