A Hope, Rhode Island, resident has been brought to justice for failing to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal income taxes.
Billie Schofield, a man from Hope, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion, a crime that has been a thorn in the side of law enforcement agencies for years.
According to court documents, from 2005 through 2016, Schofield worked for local fishing companies and earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in income. However, he failed to pay his fair share of taxes, causing a tax loss of more than $250,000.
Schofield’s scheme involved causing payments to be made through a nominee business and depositing money in a nominee account. He also obstructed the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) efforts by filing false income tax returns, preventing the delivery of IRS levy notices to his employer, and sending bogus checks to the IRS in a fraudulent attempt to pay off an IRS lien placed on his property.
The defendant’s actions have been described as a serious offense, and he now faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the tax evasion charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 13 before U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Weisman thanked special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Hebert and Trial Attorney Christopher O’Donnell of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
The Tax Division’s enforcement efforts are a vital part of ensuring that individuals and businesses pay their fair share of taxes. Schofield’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences of tax evasion and the importance of complying with tax laws.
Key Facts
- State: Rhode Island
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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