Missoula, MT – A Missoula accountant has admitted to defrauding clients by misappropriating their tax payments for personal expenses. William Arthur Clawson, 54, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and obstructing the administration of tax laws in a hearing on Thursday.
Clawson, the owner of Quantum Business Solutions and Endeavor Financial Insights, offered accounting and tax preparation services to clients in Montana, Washington, and Oklahoma, many of whom were involved in the medical marijuana industry. According to the government, from 2016 to 2021, Clawson asked clients for payments to cover taxes and fees. However, instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, he paid only a fraction of the taxes owed and used the remainder for personal expenses and unrelated debts.
As a result, Clawson’s clients fell behind in their tax obligations, prompting an investigation by the IRS. In 2019, one of Clawson’s clients came under IRS scrutiny due to unpaid taxes. When contacted by an IRS officer, Clawson falsely claimed that the company was experiencing cash flow problems and promised to resolve the issue. He also instructed the client to refrain from communicating with the IRS, further obstructing the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana revealed that Clawson faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, along with a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. He could also face up to five additional years for obstructing the IRS’s tax collection efforts.
In addition to criminal charges, Clawson has been ordered to repay his victims at least $1,158,811.40 as part of a plea agreement.
Sentencing for Clawson is scheduled for June 24. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution, with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division overseeing the investigation.
