Massachusetts psychic who charged $3.5 million for exorcisms and healing charged with tax evasion

MASSACHUSETTS WHISTLEBLOWER LAW

A self-described psychic and spiritual leader Sally Ann Johnson, 41, of Martha’s Vineyard, ran businesses including Psychic Match Inc and Flatiron Psychic, admitted in Boston federal court that she tried to impede the administration of tax laws. Johnson was paid to purportedly perform spiritual cleansing and healing services and repeated exorcisms. Johnson, who told the court she never passed the second grade, called herself a Romani “spiritual consultant.” She said she had not paid taxes in connection with the money she received as income as well as a gift.”I honestly did not do the right thing,” she said. Sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2018 and she could face upto three years in prison. In addition, she could also face a fine from $250,000 or double the gain or loss the offense caused.

Johnson, who has resided in New York, Florida, Illinois and at times Massachusetts, faces up to three years in prison. She is scheduled to be sentenced on January 17. Her lawyers declined to comment. According to court papers, Johnson at various times lived with the unnamed woman on Martha’s Vineyard, a favorite vacation spot for the rich and famous.

In an effort to evade the IRS’s scrutiny, Johnson, using the alias Angela Johnson, directed the woman to make payments in the name of Sally Johnson and another of her businesses, Stones of the World, charging papers said. Johnson directed the woman to wire payments to three different bank accounts including one in the name of an associate who used at least two aliases, court papers said.Johnson made significant cash withdrawals from those accounts and also accrued charges on a credit card held in the woman’s name, according to charging documents.

Jeffrey Newman represents whistleblowers.