Putting a period (or perhaps an ellipsis) at the end of a three-year investigation, T. Milton Street, Sr. the brother of Mayor John F. Street of my own City of Philadelphia, was indicted Tuesday on tax and fraud charges involving $2 million worth of city contracts.
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2000, the same year that his brother, John Street began his stint as Mayor of Philadelphia, Milton Street promoted himself as a paid consultant to area businesses who believed he could help them get city business because of his position. One such example involved contracts with companies doing business at two city-owned airports even though he had no experience in the field.
Over the next four years, Milton and his company, the oh-so-cleverly named “Notlim” received more than $2 million in “consulting” and other income. More or less, everyone in Philly knew this was happening, and it was widely reported in such publications as the Philadelphia Inquirer. Milton apparently forgot to report it to the one that mattered: IRS.
On his tax return for the year 2000, in which he allegedly received at least $75,000 in income, Milton only reported $19,900. He is also charged with significantly underreporting his income in 2001. He allegedly failed to file a federal tax return at all for the years 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Milton and two other businessmen were charged with mail and wire fraud, filing false tax returns and related counts. The always colorful Milton showed no remorse at the charges, saying, “I am not going to lose any sleep. Let’s face it: They didn’t get John, they have to go after somebody.”
Despite reports of income attributable to him, last November, Milton filed for bankruptcy, claiming that he had $75,000 in unsecured debt and income of only $900 a month. A judge dismissed the bankruptcy claim, in part because Milton, who lives in Moorestown, New Jersey, filed the suit in Pennsylvania.
Milton is no stranger to controversy. Long before the federal investigation, Milton has been at the center of many disputes involving such organizations as Live 8 and Ride the Ducks. In keeping with his history, Milton told Inquirer reporters, “I’ve been through lots of battles, lots of battle scars. I’ll be OK.”
Where did all that money go? Answer that question and you’ll know who the next indictments will be for.