Related Federal Cases
Houston Physician Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion, Faces Up to Five Years in Prison
A Houston physician who has practiced medicine in the city for over 30 years has pleaded guilty to tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Edward J. Crouse, a respected medical professional, acknowledged in the plea agreement that he has not timely filed an individual income tax return since 1997. According to the plea agreement, Crouse earned more than $4.4 million from 2009-2012.
Crouse consistently committed numerous affirmative acts of tax evasion over the years to conceal his true income from the IRS, including concealing the complete business records of his medical practice for calendar years 2006 through 2012 from his bookkeeping and tax return preparation firm. The physician also admitted to signing an IRS collection form on or about May 1, 2010, in which he understated the amount of his income from his medical practice available for payment of taxes and household expenditures.
Crouse has agreed that the total intended tax loss in his case was approximately $678,103, which accounts for unpaid individual income taxes as well as the amounts of federal taxes and FICA that Crouse withheld from the wages of his medical practice employees but did not pay over to the IRS. The physician has also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS of $678,103.
Sentencing has been set for December 13, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal. At that time, Crouse faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending the hearing.
The investigation into Crouse’s tax evasion was conducted by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher is prosecuting the case.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick emphasized the importance of paying taxes and the consequences of failing to do so. ‘Tax evasion is a serious crime that can have severe consequences,’ he said. ‘I urge all citizens to take tax compliance seriously and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.’
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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