Falcon Project Teams Students with IRS Investigators

During the "Falcon Project," planned for Dec. 10 on the Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College main campus, students will learn the secrets of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and will gain a head start on their career.

Teams of FSU criminal justice and accounting students will participate in mock investigation scenarios led by IRS special agents. Scenarios will range from a money laundering investigation involving a major drug dealer to subjects involved in defrauding the U.S. Government.

"This is a partnership with Fairmont State University and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division to give students an opportunity to use their academic training and apply that to real types of investigations," said Andrew Hromoko Jr., special agent and public information officer for the Department of Treasury IRS Criminal Investigation unit.

Students will receive hands-on training on interviewing subjects and witnesses, surveillance techniques, analysis of documents and financial records, writing affidavits for search and arrest warrants and being part of an undercover investigation.

"We're thrilled to be the first college or university in West Virginia to host this project for the IRS, and hope this won't be a one-time event," said Richard Harvey, Dean of the FSU School of Business. "The Falcon Project will allow students to get a taste of a career opportunity they may not know about--the IRS criminal investigator. Also, our students will have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field and make important career contacts."

IRS Criminal Investigation Division special agents are involved in many types of investigations, specifically when it comes to following a paper or money trail, according to Hromoko.

"These investigations range from income tax evasion to money laundering. We are also involved in terrorism investigations here in the United States and overseas," Hromoko said.

Teams of FSU students will be matched up with IRS special agents throughout the day. Scenarios will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 - 4 p.m. at various locations across campus.  A debriefing and graduation ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in the Falcon Center third floor conference rooms.