Windsor Man Faces Computer Crime Charges

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Tax Enforcement Special Agents arrested a former employee Friday on charges that he accessed confidential taxpayer information without authorization.

Colin S. Smith, 46, of Windsor, was arrested on 12 counts each of Computer Crime in the third degree and Unauthorized Inspection of Tax Return Information.

The arrest warrant alleges Smith used his DRS computer to access confidential taxpayer information that was not required in the course of his duties. DRS Tax Enforcement Agents were assisted in their investigation by Special Agents from the United States Department of Treasury.

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“Ensuring the confidentiality of taxpayer information is a serious responsibility at DRS,” Commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan said in a press release. “We have zero tolerance when our own employees violate that trust and will always take strong measures to investigate and prosecute. This isolated incident is regrettable and staff is reminded daily of its responsibility to protect taxpayer information. As this case makes clear, DRS has in place technology and active monitoring that identify unpermitted access to confidential taxpayer information.”

Following his arrest, Smith, a former employee in the DRS Audit and Compliance Division, was released on a $20,000 non-surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in the Hartford Superior Court on Nov. 30.

Computer crime in the third degree is a class D felony punishable by imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Unauthorized inspection of tax return information is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.