WASHINGTON _ Rep. Bennie Thompson's chief of staff has been charged with failing to file federal tax returns for five years.
Thompson staffer Isaac Lanier Avant was named in five misdemeanor counts during the five years he earned $170,000 per year.
Thompson, D-Miss., told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that he wouldn't fire Avant until he had his day in court and that he would ask him about the accusations.
In a later statement, Thompson said when given a proper forum Avant would explain his situation.
"Until such time, I trust that everyone will afford Mr. Avant the presumption of innocence to which all Americans are constitutionally entitled.
