Some may call him a “tax avoider”, but the fact of the matter is that Mr. Patrick Zachary, the attorney for the Forrest County School Board, owes the IRS a whopping $174,979.99. Â And we hope for Forrest County taxpayer’s sake he isn’t giving any tax advice.
The Hattiesburg Patriot made numerous attempts to contact Mr. Zachary for a comment, but our calls were not returned. The HP put out an FPZ (Find Patrick Zachary) to our social informant network, and within hours a tip came in that Mr. Zachary was “bellied up” at a local watering hole. The Hattiesburg Patriot editor went personally to ask for a comment from Mr. Zachary, and low and behold there was a single vacant seat right next the barrister.
Hattiesburg Patriot:
I sat down and ordered an IPA . It arrived, and I marveled at its golden color and floral bouquet. I took a sip savoring its bitter floralcy; then turned to my left, and slid the IRS tax lien it in front of Mr. Zachary. “Do you care to comment on this,” I said. He paused and looked briefly at the chancery court document as if I was seeking free legal advice; then mumbled something and slid it back.”That’s you isn’t it? Do you have a comment”, I reiterated. He took a second look, held it up within range of his bifocals. “I have no comment”, he said; and rose from his seat, separated his bifocals at the bridge, which fell to his collar, and mumbled something about me needing an attorney. So, I turned and said amusingly, “I need an attorney?” Zachary then responded, “Every heard of interfering with a contract?”
I had just been threatened with a tortius interference lawsuit. Mr. Zachary, essentially conveyed that if I reported that he owed over $174,979.99 in back taxes, and he gets fired from the school board; he might sue me for damages. In spite of the hilarity, if was a pretty quick and creative threat. Now that I have time to think about this threat, I have a response.
Mr. Zachary, the truth is an absolute defense. Now, go pay your taxes and have a nice day.
Yours Truly,
The Hattiesburg Patriot
Any concerned citizen can call and complain to the Forrest County School Board general number at 601-545-6055, or contact the president, Charles McMahan, at 601-583-2118, or can also call the Forrest County Board of Supervisors at (601) 545-6009 and voice your concerns. The meetings the first Monday of the month at 5:30pm in the chancery building.
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