IRS to Delay Tax for Woman, 71, Accused of Attempted Robbery

For a family that made the news last month when 71-year-old Mary Ruth Blanco was laughed away from an alleged armed robbery attempt, a sense of normalcy may soon return.

Over the weekend, Blanco received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service, stating that it would postpone a levy on her husband’s $1,300 annuity--the bulk of the four-member family’s monthly income, said Louis Samuel, the family’s tax attorney.

Blanco was arrested May 6 after she allegedly tried to hold up a West Covina gas station. The imminent levy and the family’s property tax troubles drove the grandmother to crime, she said, and her story drove perfect strangers to her aid.

Samuel, a former IRS officer, rushed in to help the Blancos manage their debt, while defense attorney Jack Alex, a retired Citrus Court judge, offered to lend his legal expertise in the courtroom.

“It’s been a tremendous relief for us, knowing [they’re] going to help us out,” said Mary’s husband, Raymond Blanco, 75.

Mary is charged with second-degree robbery with the special circumstances of using a gun. Her arraignment is set for Wednesday in Citrus Municipal Court in West Covina.