Frederick C. Berndt, the 39-year-old CEO of Canton’s 11 Good Energy, Inc., has been sentenced to over two years in prison and ordered to pay $197,206 in restitution for a staggering array of tax violations.
Berndt pleaded guilty to five counts, including evasion of taxes for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006. He also failed to file income taxes between 2007 and 2010. The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, and IRS Special Agent in Charge Kathy Enstrom announced the sentence.
U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent imposed the harsh sentence, reflecting the severity of Berndt’s offenses. “This sentence serves as a message to those who would shirk their responsibilities to pay taxes,” Dettelbach stated.
“The privilege of living well in the United States carries certain responsibilities, one of which is the voluntary payment of taxes,” Enstrom added. “IRS Criminal Investigation will vigorously investigate those individuals who knowingly and willfully evade their tax obligation.”
Berndt’s actions were not only a betrayal of his financial duties but also a disregard for the legal obligations of corporate leadership. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann C. Rowland and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Roberts, following an investigation led by the Internal Revenue Service.
This conviction underscores the IRS’ commitment to combating tax evasion and ensuring that all citizens comply with their tax obligations. Berndt’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring these responsibilities.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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