Tax firm’s owner charged with theft
Indictment: $30,000 stolen
4/25/2013The owner of a Toledo tax and bookkeeping firm was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Wednesday for allegedly stealing more than $30,000 from a client.
Denise Blissard, 37, of 3532 Rushland Ave. was indicted on one count of grand theft, a fourth-degree felony that carries a possible prison sentence of six to 18 months and a fine of up to $5,000.
The owner of Professional Tax & Bookkeeping Service and Just Got Paid LLC, Ms. Blissard allegedly withheld more than $30,000 for payroll taxes for BioDri Michigan LLC of Blissfield, Mich., between March 1, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2011, but never paid the state and federal taxes, according to prosecutors.
Ms. Blissard could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
A check of Lucas County Common Pleas records shows numerous liens filed against her in recent years as well as foreclosure actions on her Rushland Avenue home.
In 2009, Ms. Blissard received a 20 Under 40 Leadership award — a program that recognizes area leaders under the age of 40 who have been influential in the community.
According to her nomination for the award, in 2009 she served as secretary of the UpTown Association, worked on the finance committee of the Collingwood Arts Center, worked on the creation of Toledo Equality Networking, and did volunteer work for the Little Sisters of the Poor.