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March 28, 2023

Internal Revenue Service Employee Arrested for Stealing Government Owned Vehicle

On January 11, 2023, in the Central District of California, Graham Hefner was arrested on one count of theft of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) property.

According to the court documents, on January 10, 2023, Hefner, a 13-year IRS employee while on administrative "Leave Without Pay" status was seen at the El Monte IRS office. On this same date, two separate witnesses observed vehicle keys and a General Services Administration (GSA) fuel card for an IRS Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) prior to Hefner arriving at the El Monte IRS office. Hours later, an IRS employee noticed the GOV was no longer in the parking lot.

IRS personnel notified law enforcement. On January 11, 2023, San Jacinto Sheriff's Department deputies stopped the GOV and identified Hefner as the driver based on his Tennessee driver's license. A TIGTA special agent responded to the scene and took custody of Hefner. In a subsequent Mirandized interview, Hefner admitted to taking the vehicle keys, GSA fuel card, and the GOV for his personal use.

If convicted, Hefner could receive a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Source:  The facts in this case narrative come from the following publicly available documents: C.D. Cal., Report Commencing Criminal Action, filed Jan. 13, 2023; and C.D. Cal., Crim., Compl., filed Jan. 13, 2023.