Joyce Leard, Tax Evasion, Oregon 2024

Portland, OR – In a shocking turn of events, local business owner Joyce Leard has pleaded guilty to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS. Leard, owner of Happy Valley-based Mr. Tree Inc., a tree removal and landscaping company, is accused of withholding Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes from her employees’ wages, but failing to pay the funds over to the IRS.

According to court documents, Leard collected and withheld taxes from her employees’ wages from the fourth quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter of 2020, but instead of paying over the funds, she used them to purchase approximately $3.5 million of real estate, which was titled in her name. The total tax loss to the United States is estimated to be over $1.5 million.

Leard’s actions are a serious betrayal of the trust placed in her as a business owner. Her failure to pay employment taxes not only deprives the government of critical funding, but also undermines the social safety net that these taxes support. It’s a stark reminder that tax evasion has real-world consequences.

The case against Leard is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys J. Parker Gochenour and Megan E. Wessel of the Tax Division. IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly made the announcement.

Leard is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

The guilty plea is a major victory for the IRS and the government, and serves as a warning to other business owners who may be tempted to skirt the law. It’s a reminder that tax evasion will not be tolerated, and those who engage in it will be held accountable.

In a statement, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly said, ‘The guilty plea of Joyce Leard is a significant victory for the IRS and the government. We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in tax evasion and other financial crimes.’

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