Alleged "Emperor" Kingpin Had IRS Creds (Spitzer Affair )

ABC News ^ | March 11, 2008 5:37 PM | Justin Rood - ABC Blotter

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

The alleged leader of the prostitution ring that tripped up Eliot Spitzer is credentialed to represent clients before the Internal Revenue Service, an IRS spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

According to prosecutors, Mark "Michael" Brener, 62, had "ultimate decision-making authority" over the Emperor’s Club VIP prostitution service.  They say he recruited "prospective prostitutes," handled the group’s marketing, and settled disputes between prostitutes and their clients.

He is also a licensed "enrolled agent" of the IRS, spokesman Rob Marvin confirmed.  That means Brener was allowed to prepare and submit other people's taxes, represent others in tax court and in negotiations with the IRS, and receive information directly from the IRS on behalf of others.

According to the IRS Web site, you can become an enrolled agent by passing a written examination, or by having previously worked for the IRS.

Marvin said he could not confirm whether or not Brener had ever worked for the IRS.

The requirements for being an enrolled agent are stringent: an applicant must pass a background check to ensure that he or she has "not engaged in any conduct that would justify" their suspension or disbarment, says IRS.gov.

[proxy_user]

If you are a good accountant, know tax law, and can buy a prep book, it is not that difficult to become an EA.

I don’t think their character check is that extensive either. They probably just check for arrests and audits.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Well ...I have got to get away from the keyboard and go get a burger...

[GeorgiaDawg32]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1984072/posts?page=11#11

[tflabo]

[chet_in_ny]

I hope the Feds have Kristen in a safe place. She is the “bombshell” witness.

[LasVegasMac]

I’d like to see the service’s black book made public.

Didn't they do that with what's her face on the west coast, Heidi Fliece (sp)?

[Judith Anne]

Ping to my post 15 here...

[I see my hands]

"Emperor’s Club VIP"

That name makes me laugh. Do the clients see themselves as so lofty? EMPEROR, lol, that's just silly. These guys must have swelled heads.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Funny, in a weird sort of way.

[neodad]

"Hey Eliot, Bill needs to update his little black book of hotties. He needs to get some new girls to keep him busy and out of my way, when we get back into the White House." Hillary

Bill doesn't have to pay to play. Just buy them a cheap beret.

[newconhere]

ohhhh. Hands rubbing together, thats so evil, hehe. Nothing would surprise me. WOW

[Judith Anne]

Just a request, here...please read my post 15 and tell me if I’m reaching too far on this....?

Thanks.

[Ann Archy]

Buy POPCORN FUTURES!!

[Ann Archy]

Buy POPCORN FUTURES!!

[rod1]

Unexpectedly, 2008 is shaping up into a rather enjoyable political year.

[Judith Anne]

Well, I wonder when the IRS guy got his job? If under Clinton, well, then....

[Sonora]

Price list....

[vox_freedom]

I doubt that theory. The Spitz had already endorsed Her Thighness, raised money for her and it would be doubtful that he would flip at this stage of the nomination process in favor of Obama. Sure, he could have opted out and voted for him at the convention if the majority was going in the other direction, but I don't think he would changed at this point.
Good question though on what happens to his Super delegate status even if he resigns as Governor.

[Judith Anne]

Thanks. I didn’t know he had endorsed her, I’d heard the opposite. I appreciate the correction.

[soozla]

"EMPEROR, lol, that's just silly. These guys must have swelled heads."

Couldn't resist...................along with OTHER swelled body parts, if ya get my drift....nyuk, nyuk, nyuk...........