🌱 Man Pleads Guilty For Tax Fraud Scheme + Cost-Of-Living Increase

Hello all. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Charleston Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 67 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Charleston:

1. Charleston's David Washington, 55 years old, has pleaded guilty to preparing false and fraudulent income tax returns. He is now subject to up to three years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. He operated a fraud scheme where he claimed false business losses for taxpayers in an effort to offset reported income. The IRS investigated the case. (ABC 4)
2. The Charleston County Coroner's Office has identified the pedestrian that was killed during a North Charleston crash. Florencio Granillo Diaz, 30 years old, died at the scene of the Tuesday crash. The incident occurred at Dorchester Road and Apartment Boulevard. The crash is still being investigated by the North Charleston Police Department. (Live 5 News WCSC)
3. The City of Charleston is proposing a significant cost-of-living increase for city employees. The proposed 13 percent raise would be included in the 2023 budget if approved. The city's budget committee is recommending a base nine percent increase on all city employee's paychecks. That increase would raise the city's minimum wage to $17 an hour. (Live 5 News)

Today in Charleston:

• Tai Chi At The Daniel Island Library (9:00 AM)
• Halloween Party At The Charleston Museum (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you searching for a new sushi restaurant experience? TripAdvisor has published a list of the top-rated sushi establishments in the Charleston area. Click to view the full list. (WCBD News 2)
• Is the current housing market making you feel a little overwhelmed? Consider this list of the latest properties in the Charleston area to hit the market. Click to view the full list of properties that includes prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Charleston Patch)
• The Charleston Fire Department is currently hiring firefighters. Click to learn about the department's two recruiting tracks. (Charleston Fire Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.