CANTON, OH – Frederick C. Berndt, 39, of Canton, is facing serious federal charges after allegedly attempting to stiff the IRS out of nearly $200,000. A five-count criminal information was filed this week, accusing Berndt of a calculated scheme to avoid paying his fair share for the years 2003, 2004, and 2006.
According to the government’s filing, Berndt allegedly made false statements to the Internal Revenue Service and, more brazenly, prioritized payments to creditors *other* than the IRS. The total amount of tax owed allegedly avoided: approximately $193,359. This wasn’t a simple oversight; authorities claim this was a deliberate attempt to defraud the government.
“The privilege of living well in the United States carries certain responsibilities, one of which is the voluntary payment of taxes,” stated Kathy Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS’ Cincinnati Field Office. Her message was clear: the IRS isn’t playing games. “IRS Criminal Investigation will vigorously investigate those individuals who knowingly and willfully evade their tax obligation.”
United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, is prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Roberts leading the charge. The investigation was conducted entirely by the IRS’s Criminal Investigation division, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to pursuing even complex financial crimes.
While the charges are significant, it’s crucial to remember this is just the beginning. The court will consider a multitude of factors when determining a sentence, including any prior criminal record, Berndt’s specific role in the alleged scheme, and the details of the violations themselves. The statutory maximum sentence hasn’t been specified, but authorities noted sentences are usually less than the maximum.
It’s also important to state the obvious: an information is *not* a conviction. Berndt is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. He is entitled to a full and fair trial, where the government bears the burden of proving his guilt. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
