Keith Allan Bee, Tax Evasion, Arizona 2022

TUCSON, Ariz. – In a shocking turn of events, former Arizona state legislator and justice of the peace Keith Allan Bee, 56, of San Tan Valley, Arizona, was sentenced to six months in prison for filing a false tax return.

Bee, who owns a company providing school bus transportation, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of willfully filing a false tax return. Bee admitted that during each tax year from 2011 to 2013, to reduce his company’s profits and the taxes he owed on them, he inflated his business expenses by including personal expenses and the depreciation of personal assets as if they were costs incurred by his business.

Those personal assets included several Ford Mustangs, a Chevrolet Corvette, and a Porsche. Bee agreed that the tax loss resulting from his conduct was $214,414.

“Reporting income and paying taxes are important aspects of patriotism,” observed U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “Let this case serve as a reminder that all people, no matter their rank and circumstance, may face prison time when they cheat on their taxes. Thanks to our partners at the Internal Revenue Service for pursuing these cases fairly and comprehensively.”

Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.

Bee’s prison sentence is scheduled to begin immediately. This case serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law, not even former politicians.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, has taken a strong stance against tax evasion and public corruption. This case is a testament to their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that those who break it are held accountable.

CASE NUMBER: CR-18-1793-TUC-JAS

RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-025_Bee

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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