Dr. Joseph Jacob Hummel, Obstruction of IRS, North Carolina 2019

A medical doctor in North Carolina has pleaded guilty to obstructing the due administration of the internal revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman and United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina Matthew G.T. Martin.

Dr. Joseph Jacob Hummel faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison after purchasing the home of an acquaintance and then repaying the original owner a short time later. When Special Agents with Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS) interviewed Dr. Hummel about the real estate transaction, he falsely stated that he rented the property to the original owner and then sent the agents a sham lease, supporting this statement.

The investigation was conducted by special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Tax Division and Assistant United States Attorney Frank Chut.

Dr. Hummel's guilty plea to corruptly obstructing the due administration of the internal revenue laws is a significant blow to those who would seek to cheat the system. The Tax Division is committed to ensuring that those who engage in this type of behavior are held accountable for their actions.

The sentence for Dr. Hummel is scheduled for March 26, 2019. This case is a reminder that the IRS will continue to investigate and prosecute those who engage in tax evasion and other financial crimes.

Dr. Hummel's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the tax system. His guilty plea is a significant step in the right direction, and we hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others who would consider engaging in similar behavior.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/doctor-pleads-guilty-obstructing-irs