West Virginia Doctor Charged With Federal Tax Evasion

An obstetrician-gynecologist from Bridgeport has been indicted on federal tax evasion charges.

Prosecutors say 56-year-old Dr. Julie K. McCammon was charged in a one-count indictment handed up by a grand jury in Wheeling on Tuesday. She’s accused of avoiding nearly $879,000 in income taxes.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld says McCammon began taking cash withdrawals from unreported income in her business accounts in 2006.

In 2007, prosecutors say, McCammon allegedly took checks from insurance companies and third parties, endorsed them and sent them to credit card companies to pay for her personal expenditures. Those withdrawals allegedly totaled more than $445,000.

If convicted, she could face a fine of $250,000 and up to five years in prison.

McCammon’s attorney, Paul Harris of Wheeling, said it’s “unfortunate” the government has taken this approach.

“Needless to say, we do not believe there’s a crime here, or sufficient evidence to support a conviction,” he said. “… It seems that every time tax season rolls around, the IRS likes to file these cases, and we look forward to being vindicated in the courtroom.”