IRS visits Barbera dealership
but is mum about seized info

Agents from the Internal Revenue Service seized business records from the Northeast-based Gary Barbera automobile dealership last week and reportedly also raided the owner’s Gladwyne home.
Spokeswomen for the IRS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia declined to comment on any related investigation beyond acknowledging that agents did go to Barbera’s "Dodgeland," "Chryslerland" and "Jeepland" location at 7810 Roosevelt Blvd. on Dec. 5.
The IRS spokeswoman, Shauna Frye, did not confirm or deny that her agency held a search warrant for the dealership.
Philadelphia police were not involved in any raid, although some officers were on-site for "traffic control," said Lt. Frank Venore, a spokesman for the department.
Mike Burgo, general manager of the dealership, said that the business surrendered information to the IRS at the request of investigators, who spent three to four hours on-site that afternoon. Burgo said he did not know what specific information the IRS took.
"Some records were requested which we agreed to give them," Burgo said.
The general manager added that the business was notified of the search in advance. Barbera officials "invited" agents into the dealership, which remained open for normal business hours throughout last week and weekend, although most dealership employees were sent home during the IRS visit, he said.
Local news media reported that the IRS also searched Gary Barbera’s home on the same day. Again, the IRS spokeswoman declined comment.
Barbera also operates a "Chevyland" dealership at 6301 Roosevelt Blvd. ••