Kenneth L. Richardson, Tax Fraud, Tennessee 2013

Tax Cheat Behind Bars: Pastor and Bail Bondsman Sentenced to Prison

Nashville, TN - In a shocking turn of events, Kenneth L. Richardson, 50, a Nashville resident and former bail bondsman, has been sentenced to prison for tax fraud. Richardson was handed a six-month prison term and ordered to pay $269,391.96 in restitution to the IRS for filing a false federal income tax return for tax year 2004 and for willfully failing to file a federal income tax return for tax year 2005, announced David Rivera, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.

Richardson pleaded guilty in September 2012, pursuant to a plea agreement. The court noted the seriousness of the offenses but cited mitigating factors in support of its decision. Richardson owned and operated Skyy Bonding Company in Nashville, Tennessee, and was also employed as a pastor at St. Marks Church in Nashville.

According to the plea agreement, Richardson received income from his bail bonding business and from his employment as a pastor during the tax years 2004 through 2007. Richardson and his wife earned at least $248,174 in adjusted gross income during tax year 2004. However, Richardson filed a false Form 1040, indicating that their adjusted gross income for tax year 2004 was only $52,714.

During tax year 2005, the Richardson’s earned at least $291,174 in adjusted gross income and were therefore required to file a federal income tax return for that tax year. Richardson, however, willfully failed to file a return during the time required by law.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn B. Ward.

Richardson will serve his six-month prison term followed by one year of supervised release, which includes six months of home confinement. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, particularly when dealing with the government.

As the Grimy Times continues to expose corruption and tax evasion, we urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdtn/pr/minister-and-former-bail-bondsman-sentenced-prison-tax-fraud