HAMILTON — The New York State Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the Miles B. Marshall tax preparation and insurance services firm in Madison County, according to Attorney General Letitia James.

The office is looking for any residents who may have given money to the business Miles B. Marshall Inc., to the individual M. Burton Marshall, or to an "8% Promissory Note Fund."

The AG's Office said several Madison County residents have reported the business to local law enforcement on concerns that their money was being misused.

According to Madison County officials, the Hamilton Police Department started receiving complaints on March 7, and an investigation revealed a "potentially large number of participants" in the 8% Promissory Note Fund. The New York State Police and the Madison County District Attorney's Office were contacted, and officials said it was soon learned that the AG's Office already had an open investigation.

Madison County officials said the investigation has been turned over to the state office.

“Learning that the people you entrust with your finances and investments may be misusing your hard-earned money is scary and concerning,” said Attorney General James in a release.

“My office has been notified of multiple complaints regarding potential irregularities at the Offices of Miles B. Marshall, Inc. and M. Burton Marshall, and we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation of this matter. Our investigators will continue their work, and I urge anyone who has not already contacted law enforcement regarding this matter to reach out to my office immediately.”  

According to the Miles B. Marshall website, the business offers tax preparation, insurance, storage and rental services. A Feb. 21 message on the website from Marshall states that he is not preparing taxes this year due to illness.

Anyone who has concerns about Miles B. Marshall Inc., and who has not already contacted law enforcement, is asked to reach out to the AG's Office at the email address MBMarshall.complaint@ag.ny.gov.