Lexington County resident arrested for income tax evasion

Columbia, SC — Deborah C. Westbrook, 61, was arrested today by South Carolina Department of Revenue investigators on four counts of income tax evasion.

According to the investigation, Westbrook earned income of $167,817 during 2007 through 2010 and failed to file SC income tax returns for the duration of the period. Also during that time, Westbrook filed fraudulent W4 withholding forms with her employer to avoid having taxes withheld from her wages. Since state income taxes were not withheld from Westbrook’s wages, she avoided payment of $6,247 in state income taxes.

Westbrook is facing up to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $40,000 if convicted of the charges.

Westbrook is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.