Retired IRS Agent Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Transporting Woman into Nevada for Prostitution

RENO—Kemp Shiffer, 59, of Reno, a retired special agent with IRS Criminal Investigation, was sentenced this morning to two years in prison, 10 years of supervised release, and 250 hours of community work service for transporting a woman from California to Nevada for the purpose of prostitution, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.

“Prostitution may be lawful in most Nevada counties, but it is unlawful under federal law to transport persons across state lines for the purpose of prostitution,” said U.S. Attorney Bogden. “Additionally, as this case demonstrates, persons who commit this crime will be prosecuted and face prison time.” Shiffer, who pleaded guilty in November to one count of transporting an individual in interstate commerce for purposes of prostitution, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard D. McKibben. Shiffer was permitted to self-report to federal prison by June 4, 2012.

According to the plea agreement filed in the case, on about July 25, 2011, Shiffer transported a woman, identified in the court papers as “C.M.,” from California to Nevada with the intent that C.M. would engage in prostitution when she arrived in Nevada. Shiffer engaged in coercive conduct in order to compel C.M. to engage in prostitution, and Shiffer was the organizer, leader, manager, and supervisor of the criminal activity, which included another participant, identified as “E.H.,” who helped Shiffer recruit and transport C.M. from California to Nevada.

Shiffer also agreed to forfeit a 2006 Mercedes Benz, an iPhone, a computer, and various cameras.

The case was investigated by the Reno Police Department, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation as part of the Innocence Lost Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carla B. Higginbotham.