The Rev. Al Sharpton was cited in a new investigative report about his finances and National Action Network dealings for “regularly” sidestepping obligations and debts — to the tune of more than $4.5 million in taxes.
The New York Times found that Mr. Sharpton has “regularly sidestepped the sorts of obligations most people see as inevitable,” including rent, taxes and monthly bills and obligations.
He’s accrued more than $4.5 million in state and federal tax liens that hit not just him, but his businesses, too, the newspaper said.
Mr. Sharpton said he’s been paying his debts down, but The New York Times said his balance at the state level has actually grown over the years — and his National Action Network has failed to pay federal payroll taxes on workers for some time.
And yet, Mr. Sharpton has still managed to travel first class and pick up a decent salary from his nonprofit, the newspaper noted. Moreover, his reputation seems to remain golden in top-notch political circles.
Just recently, he was hailed at a fancy birthday party at Four Seasons restaurant as a civil rights hero by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, The New York Times noted. And President Obama sent an aide to read a commendation about Mr. Sharpton’s “dedication to the righteous cause of perfecting our union,” the newspaper said.
Mr. Sharpton commented on his debt woes in a recent interview, pointing out that he’s gone without a salary at times in order to pay his obligations.
“You can say I’m not a great administrator,” he said, The New York Times reported. “You can’t say that I’m not committed.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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