Syosset Attorney Charged with Tax Fraud

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced that a Syosset attorney has been arrested and charged Thursday with failure to report income on his New York State personal income tax returns over a three-year period – resulting in an unpaid bill to New York State of nearly $28,000.

William Turkish, 58, was charged today with three counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the 4th Degree (an E felony). He was given a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at District Court in Hempstead on Feb. 4. If convicted, Turkish faces up to 4 years in prison.

“Every taxpayer, no matter their occupation, is required by law to report their income in an accurate and timely manner,” DA Rice said. “Failure to report taxable income takes away much needed funds for vital services and unfairly puts the burden on other taxpayers.”

DA Rice said Turkish, an attorney licensed to practice in New York, is charged with failing to file his New York State personal income tax returns for tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The liability owed to New York State taxpayers is $27,986 – an amount that does not include penalties and interest. 

This matter was investigated by the Nassau Criminal Investigations Division of the New York State Department of Tax and Finance and was referred to DA Rice’s office for review and prosecution. DA investigators made the arrest.

Assistant District Attorney Christine Burke of DA Rice’s Economic Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case. Turkish is represented by Alfredo Mendez, Esq.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.