Syracuse, New York – In a stunning reversal of fortune for William Harrell, the 58-year-old contractor from Ithaca, New York, was yesterday sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay over $900,000 in restitution for his brazen attempt to manipulate the tax system.
Harrell stood before the court after admitting to filing a false tax return for the year 2015, which he knew contained false information. His scheme involved underreporting significant income from his construction and remodeling business, amounting to approximately $3.99 million. This deception allowed Harrell to avoid paying nearly half a million dollars in federal income taxes.
According to court documents, Harrell’s fraudulent activities extended beyond 2015. He also admitted to underreporting revenue for the years 2012-14 and 2016. The IRS has been investigating these discrepancies for several years, leading to yesterday’s sentencing.
The court ordered Harrell to pay restitution in the amount of $907,669.75 to the Internal Revenue Service, which covers unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties. Additionally, his five-year probation sentence serves as a harsh reminder that such financial chicanery will not go unpunished.
Harrell’s case was a result of a thorough investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, led by Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Sutcliffe, who ensured that justice was served.
This sentencing sends a clear message to those who might consider engaging in similar financial misconduct: the tax system is not to be toyed with, and the consequences can be severe. For William Harrell, his five years of probation and substantial restitution fee are a testament to the gravity of his actions.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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