Danbury Preschool Owner Pleads Guilty To Federal Employment Tax Charge

DANBURY, CT — The former operator of a Danbury daycare and preschool admitted in federal court that he failed to pay employment taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service, according to federal authorities.

Thomas Walker, 63, of Ridgefield, pleaded guilty in Bridgeport federal court on May 31 to willful failure to account for and pay over employment taxes, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Authorities said Walker owned and managed New England Country Day School in Danbury and was responsible for handling payroll tax obligations for the business.

Federal prosecutors alleged that between 2018 and 2024, payroll tax returns were not properly filed and required tax payments were largely not made. Court records state the conduct resulted in an estimated loss of $639,158 to the IRS.

Walker faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the charge. He remains free pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Aug. 31.