While tensions are rising higher by the day in Ferguson, Missouri ahead of a  grand jury decision whether or not to indict Officer Darren Wilson, it is being  reported that “behind the scenes” Al Sharpton “has consulted with the president  on matters of race and civil rights,” including future Ferguson protests.

Sharpton was also “among a small group at the White House when Mr. Obama  announced his nomination of Loretta E. Lynch, the United States attorney for the  Eastern District of New York, to become the next attorney general,” The New  York Times reports.

The Times also revealed that MSNBC’s primetime  race-baitier owes more than $4.5 million in back taxes and has “regularly  sidestepped” his public debts. National Action Network, Sharpton’s nonprofit  political advocacy organization, has failed to pay federal payroll taxes for  years, and has “repeatedly failed” to pay debts owed for travel and living  arrangements.

Mr. Sharpton’s newly found insider status represents a potential financial  boon for him, furnishing him with new credibility and a surge in donations. His  politician-heavy birthday party, at one of New York City’s most expensive  restaurants, was billed as a fund-raiser to help his organization. Mr. Obama  also spoke at the organization’s convention in April, its primary fund-raising  event.

The Treasury’s inspector general describes Sharpton’s financial decisions as “‘abusive’ or ‘potentially criminal’ if the failure to turn over or collect  taxes is willful.’”