Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Recently, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade and Special Agent in Charge of the IRS, Criminal Investigation Jarod Koopman announced in a press release that a 53-year-old Royal Oak, Michigan woman had pleaded guilty to tax evasion. According to the release, Robin Petty, who is part owner and treasurer of Superior Metal Finishing, a Detroit corporation, pleaded guilty to failure to report substantial income from 2008 through 2011. While Petty did report some of her income, she ultimately evaded payment of almost $340,000 in federal income taxes over the four year time period.
In 2008 alone, Petty under-reported her income by $236,933. She did report a total income of $119,117, however she had also received checks made payable to her from Superior Metal Finishing totaling $356,050. Because she failed to report the balance of the income for 2008, her tax liability for the year was understated by more than $70,000. Other years through 2011 were similar.
While Petty’s sentence had not been set at the time of the press release, income tax evasion carries punishment which includes a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a maximum of five years in prison. She agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in an amount of up to $339,526, and to pay $100,000 toward this restitution prior to her sentencing.
Tax evasion is a very serious crime not only in Michigan, but across the country. Considered a white collar crime, penalties not only put an individual’s freedom in jeopardy, but his/her reputation and career as well. White collar crimes typically do not involve violence, but are usually finance related. These crimes include embezzlement, money laundering, and other offenses that generally occur within a company or corporation.
If you have been arrested for any white collar crime or are under investigation, it is important to seek out a skilled, capable Michigan white collar crimes attorney immediately so that action can be taken to protect your legal rights and freedom.