James Timothy Turner, Tax Fraud and Obstruction, Montgomery AL, 2023

Montgomery, AL – In a major victory for federal law enforcement, James Timothy Turner, the self-proclaimed leader of the sovereign citizen group Republic for the united States of America (RuSA), was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison. Turner was convicted on ten counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing the IRS, and false testimony under oath.

The sentence was announced following a five-day jury trial in March 2013, where evidence revealed that Turner traveled across the country in 2008 and 2009 teaching others how to defraud the IRS using fictitious bonds. He was found guilty of sending a $300 million fictitious bond in his own name and aiding others in sending fifteen more to pay taxes and debts.

Turner also instructed followers on how to file retaliatory liens against government officials who hindered his scheme. This led to a broader investigation involving the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation, which resulted in the conviction of Turner for his role in the fraudulent activities.

‘This lengthy prison sentence shows that tax defiers like Turner who use bogus schemes will be punished,’ said Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally. ‘The Justice Department will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to defraud the government.’

Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart emphasized, ‘We cannot and will not tolerate those who violate the law for financial gain. I would like to thank the law enforcement officers who worked vigilantly on this case to bring this criminal to justice.’

The IRS-Criminal Investigation Chief Richard Weber highlighted that Turner’s aggressive promotion of obstruction of the IRS led to his downfall. ‘Today’s sentence should send a strong message to those who may follow in Turner’s footsteps and attempt to defy their tax obligations,’ Weber stated.

RELATED: ‘RuSA’ Leader Turner Convicted in $300M Tax Fraud