Undertow
07-28-2008, 07:17 AM
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080725_In_Sharpton_case___old_shakedown_theory__ resurfaces.html
By Deneen Borelli
Al Sharpton is making headlines again, but it's not for one of his crusades. Instead, Sharpton, his National Action Network (NAN), and several major corporations that have donated to NAN have been subpoenaed in recent months by federal investigators.
While Sharpton's attorneys reported Tuesday that the criminal probe over millions allegedly owed in taxes by Sharpton and NAN has been dropped in lieu of civil action by the IRS, federal authorities remain tight-lipped over the status of any investigations.
Critics have long accused Sharpton of obtaining corporate contributions by threatening racial boycotts.
Sharpton denies this, saying "That's the old shakedown theory that the anti-civil-rights forces have used against us forever."
:al
By Deneen Borelli
Al Sharpton is making headlines again, but it's not for one of his crusades. Instead, Sharpton, his National Action Network (NAN), and several major corporations that have donated to NAN have been subpoenaed in recent months by federal investigators.
While Sharpton's attorneys reported Tuesday that the criminal probe over millions allegedly owed in taxes by Sharpton and NAN has been dropped in lieu of civil action by the IRS, federal authorities remain tight-lipped over the status of any investigations.
Critics have long accused Sharpton of obtaining corporate contributions by threatening racial boycotts.
Sharpton denies this, saying "That's the old shakedown theory that the anti-civil-rights forces have used against us forever."
:al