El Paso Man Arrested for Allegedly Failing to Pay Employment Taxes
An El Paso man was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged failure to account for and pay trust fund taxes. Edward Dean La Puma, 57, founder and sole proprietor of a local business called 77 Stone, allegedly failed to truthfully account for and pay the trust fund taxes due to the IRS on behalf of his employees between March 2018 and January 2023.
According to an indictment, La Puma is charged with 20 counts of failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
La Puma’s alleged failure to pay employment taxes has serious consequences for his employees, who may be entitled to compensation for the unpaid taxes. The IRS CI is investigating the case to ensure that La Puma is held accountable for his actions.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington for the IRS Criminal Investigation Houston Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micaela Glass and Chris Skillern are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
La Puma’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of complying with tax laws and regulations. Tax evasion is a serious crime that can have severe consequences, including imprisonment and fines.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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