Congressman still pushing for Mo Money hearing

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - When WAVY.com called Mo Money Taxes' headquarters in Tennessee, Tuesday, this is the recording that played, "Thank you for calling Money Co. USA, formerly Mo' Money Taxes. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m."

Eventually,  an associate answered, "Mo' Money Taxes, how can I help you?"

It's proof the tax filing business is still taking on customers. That is not something Congressman Bobby Scott wants to hear.

"We've asked for a congressional hearing, and the schedule is tight. We're hoping to have one in or around June," Scott, (D) 3rd District, said.

Scott said there are many benefits to a congressional hearing about Mo Money's alleged bad business.

"It publicizes the problem, which obviously discourages others from getting involved in the same situation, but it also lights a fire under the various administration officials who may have a responsibility to something do about it, and then if it's determined that there's a legislative gap, it may be revealed that legislation has to be introduced to close the loopholes."

While local investigations closed with no charges filed, Scott told WAVY.com that may not be the case on the federal level.

"I'm satisfied having talked to the Department of Justice that there is, in fact, a federal investigation going on. Of course, they won't acknowledge that one way or the other," Scott explained.

There's also a potential civil case brewing thanks to the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

"We saw the number of people being impacted and it looked like there may be some targeting of a particular population," said Rhonda Cunningham Holmes, deputy director of the Washington Lawyers' Committee.

Cunningham Holmes said her organization already spoke with roughly 50 Mo Money customers and the majority of them are from Virginia.

"We are working with one of the major law firms in the DC area, and we are conducting an investigation and we hope to make a determination if there is something to file within the next two to three weeks."

Holmes and Congressman Scott share a common goal. In addition to justice, "We have to make sure that this doesn't happen again," said Scott.

WAVY.com called Mo Money CEO Markey Granberry, but he didn't return the calls.