Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today handed down sentences for Eduardo Anibal Escobar (45), Carlos Alberto Rodriguez (36), and Adelmy Tejada (57) in the largest payroll tax evasion scheme in Florida’s history, totaling $146 million.
The trio, all from Orlando, were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud. Escobar received 4 years and 9 months; Rodriguez got 3 years and 4 months; and Tejada faced 18 months plus 6 months of home detention. Each pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025.
The court ordered restitution of $36,957,616 to the IRS for unpaid payroll taxes and an additional $397,895 to insurance companies for workers’ compensation claims they paid out. Escobar and Rodriguez are legal permanent residents from El Salvador, while Tejada is a naturalized U.S. citizen.
According to court documents, the scheme ran from January 2015 through August 2024. The defendants, operating under their construction companies, T. Escobar Construction and C. Escobar Construction, paid workers off the books to dodge payroll taxes and workers’ compensation insurance premiums. They also employed undocumented workers, not legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The fraudulent use of insurance certificates allowed subcontractors to obtain contracts with contractors under false pretenses. The defendants pocketed millions after taking their cut from the payroll checks without reporting or paying over the correct taxes. The scheme cost the U.S. Treasury $36,957,616 in unpaid payroll taxes.
Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office praised the collaboration between agencies that led to the dismantling of this criminal enterprise. “These criminals defrauded the government and exploited vulnerable workers,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker of Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville. The sentences reflect the severity of their crimes and the determination of law enforcement to hold them accountable.”
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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