A Missouri man was sentenced to three years in federal prison Wednesday for making a false emergency call that led to an IRS employee being detained and a section of the IRS office on Pershing Road being locked down.
Anthony M. Alford, 46, received the sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Stephen R. Bough. Following his prison term, Alford will also serve three years of supervised release.
READ: Armed Drug Dealer In Virginia Gets 7 Years in Federal Prison
According to court documents, on September 10, 2024, Alford placed a 911 call to Kansas City, Missouri, falsely claiming that an individual, identified as “Victim One” and an employee of the IRS, was armed with a firearm and threatening to carry out a shooting at the IRS Building located at 333 W. Pershing Road.
The hoax call prompted a dispatch of Kansas City police officers to the scene. Upon arrival, they coordinated with IRS security and Federal Protective Service officers. Based on the false report, Victim One was detained and searched for weapons. The incident also led to the lockdown of the B-Wing of the IRS building, with an announcement made to occupants about a purported active shooter and instructions to remain in lockdown.
READ :‘Name On The Bullet’: Ohio Man Charged Federally In Threat Campaign Against Officials
Investigators determined that Victim One was unarmed and had no intention of causing harm. The victim informed investigators that she had been in a relationship with Alford for approximately a month and was attempting to end it.
While stating Alford had not been violent, she described his behavior as controlling, possessive, and jealous. Victim One reported receiving numerous calls and messages from Alford the night before the incident and threatening messages earlier that morning, including one stating he was “[o]n the phone with IRS police have fun when you get there” and another saying “… just wait until you get to work.”
Alford was arrested on September 25, 2024. He admitted to investigators that Victim One had not made any threats to shoot up the IRS Building, contradicting his 911 call. Alford stated he had been drinking alcohol and was upset when he made the false report.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
