ST. LOUIS – A local businessman has admitted to a shocking case of tax evasion, admitting to failing to pay $3.4 million in taxes. Jeffrey M. Bauza, 55, of Weldon Spring, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to collect or pay tax on Thursday.
Bauza, the owner of CDL Training Service & Consulting and CDL Training Services of Missouri, was required by law to withhold income, Social Security and Medicare taxes from employee wages before turning them over to the Internal Revenue Service. However, instead of making these payments, Bauza used the money for personal expenses, including making substantial payments toward the mortgage of his primary home and a vacation home in Florida, as well as paying college tuition for one of his children.
The IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case, which spanned from 2012 to 2019. As part of the plea agreement, Bauza agreed to pay back the $1.4 million that he still owes in taxes. He is scheduled to be sentenced next year and could face up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Bauza’s actions are a stark reminder of the importance of paying taxes on time and the consequences of failing to do so. Tax evasion is a serious crime that can have severe consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
The case is a reminder that the IRS takes tax evasion seriously and will take action against those who fail to comply with tax laws. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Bauza’s plea agreement marks the end of a long and complex investigation into his tax-evading activities. The case serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to follow in Bauza’s footsteps.
Defendant: Jeffrey M. Bauza
Criminal Charges: Willful failure to collect or pay tax
City and State: St. Louis, Missouri
Date: Thursday (no specific date given)
Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled to be sentenced next year, could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine
Dollar Amount: $3.4 million in taxes
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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