The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced today that an attorney practicing in Buffalo has been sentenced for attempted grand larceny and criminal tax fraud.

David J. Seeger, 57, of 17 St. Johns St., Buffalo, the principal attorney of his law office, David Seeger PC, located at 69 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, plead guilty to two misdemeanors in July of this year.

He admitted in Erie County Court before Judge Thomas P. Franczyk that he attempted to steal $21,281 by collecting Withholding Tax on behalf of his law firm employees for the years 2009 through 2012, but then failed to remit those funds to the State as required by law.

Judge Franczyk sentenced Seeger on November 17 to a Conditional Discharge and ordered him to pay the State restitution in the amount of $21,281. The defendant also was ordered to provide 100 hours of community service within the next four months.

The case was investigated by the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and was prosecuted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

In New York State, 96% of taxes are paid by businesses and individuals who voluntarily meet their tax responsibilities. The remaining 4% is collected through the Tax Department's audit, collections and criminal investigations programs. Through its enforcement programs, the Department ensures fair tax administration for all New Yorkers.

Report fraud

You can report tax evasion and fraud online at the Tax Department's Web site or by calling 518-457-0578. The information is kept confidential.

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