Craig J. Schexnaider, Tax Evasion, Beaumont TX, 2023

United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley has announced a stunning sentence for Craig J. Schexnaider, a Beaumont, Texas attorney, who was handed a 12-month prison term for failing to file his federal income tax returns.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Public Affairs revealed that the 63-year-old lawyer must also pay a $5,000 fine and serve one year of supervised release. His tax liability totals $98,805.57, which he is now required to pay to the U.S. Treasury.

Sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn, Schexnaider was caught after gross income in 2008 of approximately $140,000, exceeding the $3,500 minimum that necessitates filing a federal income tax return. Despite being granted an extension until October 15, 2009, he willfully failed to file his 2008 return.

The charges stem from a Bill of Information filed in November 2013, which initially charged him with four counts of failing to file income tax returns for the years 2007 through 2010. However, the government dismissed the remaining counts after sentencing.

An investigation by the IRS led to Schexnaider’s conviction, and Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan prosecuted the case from the Eastern District of Texas.

Schexnaider’s surrender date is set for February 11, 2015, marking a harsh penalty for what was once a respected member of the legal profession.