Investigation Results/Statistics
Disciplinary Actions During 2012
The Board has completed the following disciplinary actions during 2012:
License and certificate suspensions (including stayed suspension) and revocations:
Carlson, Steven M., Marysville and Lake Stevens. April 26, 2012.
Violation: Carlson failed to complete tax returns for clients; failed to return client records, and failed to license CPA firm.
Sanctions: Suspension of CPA certificate, individual practice license, and eligibility to register, renew or reinstate a CPA firm license for three years. Before the Board will consider a reinstatement application, Carlson must (1) serve all three years of the suspension; (2) submit a complete reinstatement application with required fee and continuing professional education (CPE); (3) pay a $5,250 fine; (4) reimburse the Board $1,750 for investigative and legal costs; and (5) document return of client records. Carlson may not use the CPA title or hold out for the practice of public accounting as a CPA while under suspension.
Board Order
Sabo, Mark T., Woodinville. April 12, 2012.
Violation: Misappropriation of $8,624.32 from employer
Sanctions: Sabo agreed to the suspension of his CPA certificate and individual license to practice public accounting for three years. Before the Board will consider a reinstatement application, Sabo must (1) submit a complete reinstatement application with required fee and continuing professional education (CPE); (2) pay a $5,000 fine and (3) reimburse the Board $1,000 for investigative and legal costs. Sabo may not use the CPA title or hold out for the practice of public accounting as a CPA while under suspension.
Board Order
Oswalt, E. Kent, Kennewick. February 15, 2012.
Violation: Conflict of Interest: Respondent continued to make accounting decisions for a client without authorization from all owners, failed to obtain a waiver of conflict of interest from each affected owner as required by IRS Circular 230, failed to make the necessary journal entries to correct a note receivable entry on the client’s books for one of the owner’s loan, and failed to correct the 2008 tax return.
Sanctions: Stayed suspension of Oswalt’s CPA certificate, individual license to practice public accounting and CPA firm license for five years. The stay of the suspension is conditioned on Oswalt’s compliance with the Public Accountancy Act and Board rules, payment of a $1,500 fine, and reimbursement of $500 to the Board for investigative and legal costs.
Board Order
Mertz, Lance K., Tacoma. January 11, 2012.
Violation: Misappropriation of $52,382.24 in public funds from employer, Tacoma-Pierce County Employment and Training Consortium
Sanctions: Revocation of Mertz’ CPA certificate. The Board will not consider Mertz qualified in any respect as a new applicant for licensure for 10 years and then only if Mertz: (a) documents full restitution to the Tacoma-Pierce County Employment and Training Consortium; (b) complies with the then existing education, examination, experience, and ethical eligibility requirements; (c) pays a $5,000 fine; and (d) reimburses the Board $1,000 for investigative and legal costs. Mertz may not use the CPA title or hold out for the practice of public accounting as a CPA while under revocation.
Board Order
See Also:
2012 Results of Investigations
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