IRS-CI hopes to leverage distinctiveness of Texas communities in recruiting

 

Date: February 2, 2022

Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov

HOUSTON — Replenishing the pool of special agents and support staff from Texas' diverse communities and residents are underway in the IRS-Criminal Investigation's Houston and Dallas field offices, which opened applications Tuesday on USAJOBS as part of a nationwide recruiting effort.

IRS-CI is the criminal investigative arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, and is the only federal law enforcement agency with investigative jurisdiction over violations of the Internal Revenue Code.

"We value the many perspectives that arise from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and identities," said Houston Field Office Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington. "That diversity coupled with inclusion is our long-term business strategy to help us fuel the innovation that is needed to respond to the needs of the communities and nation we serve."

The positions open include a variety of jobs that include analysts, special agents and more.

"What I like most about the special agent position is the diversity of the various investigations that a special agent is exposed to and the breadth of knowledge and experience gained from each investigation," said Houston Field Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Rodrick Benton. Benton, currently based in San Antonio, is originally from Longview, Texas, and a graduate of the University of North Texas.

"Getting an international business degree at a college on the border has helped me understand how to think outside the box when it comes to solving problems involving both domestic and international business cases," Special Agent Carlos Quevedo said. Quevedo earned an international business degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley after growing up in local communities nearby.

"Throughout my 18 years with IRS-CI, it has been my absolute honor to not only work criminal financial investigations but also be part of the recruitment force impacting IRS-CI at a national level," said Special Agent Sonia Hurtado, who grew up in McAllen, Texas, and received an accounting degree at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.

For more information about IRS-CI career opportunities, career fairs and links, visit IRS Careers: Criminal Investigation & Enforcement, and follow us on Twitter (@IRS_CI) and LinkedIn (@IRS Criminal Investigation).

The IRS-CI's Houston Field Office encompasses the U.S. District Court's Southern and Western districts of Texas, stretching from Houston to El Paso and from Waco to Corpus Christi. Due to the proximity to the Mexican international border and having some of the fastest-growing cities and counties in the United States within its jurisdiction, Houston Field Office special agents work a variety of cases, emphasizing traditional tax-related crimes such as employment tax, corporate fraud, identity theft, unscrupulous return preparers and general fraud. The Houston Field Office also provides crucial support to task forces involving counterterrorism, public corruption, human trafficking, drugs, and complex money laundering violations.