An Unsung Story of Poverty, Corruption and Philantrophy- a.k.a. for the "Sins of the Father"

Elmer Irey's opening paragraph in his 'auto'-biography set the tone in dealing with the most elite of the 'Criminal Elite' tax dodgers:
                 "I sometimes wonder if the economy of the United States could have withstood Moses L. Annenberg had Moses bothered to go beyond the firth grade in grammar school... Moe was so deft with a dollar that... his heirs and assigns, nor the United States Government ever knew exactly how much he was worth."

What initially was planned to be a tax evasion case of a couple of years, turned out to be the most belabored investigation of all from that bygone era. Once more, the Intelligence Unit's ("IU") hard work with a stroke of serendipity led to Moses' (and almost Walter's) downfall. Moses' 'private set of books'  (19 boxes) was mistakenly delivered to the correct floor of his office building, but the wrong room, the IU's makeshift office, that Moses so willingly allowed them to use. Almost immediately recognized, the IU got a subpoena. The complexities of his corporations (who owned what and even when the principles became owners), baffled both sides. It was finally settled in favor the the Government. Moses (and Walter) paid an eight million dollar tax bill (with penalties and interest). Moses agreed to a jail sentence provided Walter's indictment was dropped. Moses died shortly after his release.

Within the course of his life, Moses went from being literally shoeless on arrival in the United Sates to becoming nearly the 'richest' man in America during that era. Walter took it forward and during his lifetime was the greatest philanthropist America had ever had until the Gates' era. Walter's life was adjudged as reparation for the 'Sins of the Father'. 

                   Here's is a brief glimpse into the case summary; as well as, the indictment format.

(Courtesy of the Dolan Family)

(Courtesy of the Dolan Family)

                                                                     One of Malone's obituary, noting Annenberg