TN Revenue Department hires former exec of raided Sommet Group

[doeriver]

TN Revenue Department hires former exec of raided Sommet Group
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101117/NEWS02/11170374/-1/NLETTER01?source=nletter-news

'Tennessean' Watchdog Report

The Tennessee Department of Revenue has named a former senior executive from the Sommet Group to handle legal matters on tax cases, amid federal inquiries into both organizations.

The department said Tuesday that it had hired Ben Purser, a retired FBI agent who most recently was the chief compliance officer at Sommet, a bankrupt business services firm that has come under criminal investigation from the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service.

Purser was named an assistant commissioner overseeing compliance, a position in which he will advise Revenue Commissioner Charles Trost, and handle legal matters involving tax enforcement. Purser started last week and will share responsibilities with Arnold Clapp, who was named to the same position late last month but plans to retire in December.

Purser's track record with the FBI and his explanation of his tenure at Sommet convinced department officials that he was qualified for the job, said Sara Jo Houghland, a Revenue spokeswoman.

...


Purser worked for the FBI for 29 years, the last 17 of which he was the agent in charge of the FBI field office in Nashville. Purser's accomplishments included overseeing the Rocky Top public corruption scandal and managing a national health-care fraud investigation unit. Purser also served on the Tennessee Ethics Commission.

"He's a good investigator, a good man that works hard," said Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, who named Purser to the Ethics Commission. Ramsey described Purser's reputation as "impeccable."

...

(more via hyperlink above)