For Immediate Release

Release Date: 03-23-09

JEFFERSON CITY– The Department of Economic Development (DED) has revoked the tax credit issued to a Franklin County woman who pleaded guilty to employing at least 10 illegal aliens during a 12-month period, the department announced today. It is the first time the department has revoked the tax credit of a business or individual for employing illegal aliens.

The Department notified Joette L. Reidy of Washington that, under state statute, she is ineligible for any state-administered or subsidized tax credit due to her guilty plea. Reidy plead guilty in U.S. District Court in November 2007 to hiring for employment at least 10 illegal aliens between October 2005 and October 2006.

Under state law, Reidy is ineligible for any state tax credits for a period of five years following the date of her guilty plea.

Reidy applied for a Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit in April 2007. On June 18, 2007, the Department issued Reidy a certifícate of eligibility that entitled her to a tax credit of $1,400 under the program. Under state law, the DED has notified the Missouri Department of Revenue that the tax credit has been revoked due to the guilty plea.

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