Former Louisville Business Owner Sentenced for Tax Evasion

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In a shocking turn of events, former Louisville business owner Lawrence P. Tatem, 50, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and one year supervisory release for willful failure to file federal income tax returns and tax evasion.

According to court documents, Tatem deliberately attempted to evade and defeat the payment of a large part of the federal income tax, penalties, and interest due by him to the United States of America, for the calendar years 2002 through 2004, totaling approximately $533,498. He achieved this by concealing his assets, changing the names and locations of his rehabilitation businesses, placing his businesses in the names of nominees J.S., D.R., and M.Z., closing bank accounts at Republic Bank after the Internal Revenue Service attempted to levy funds from the accounts, and opening new bank accounts at Chase Bank under different names.

Furthermore, Tatem admitted to willful failure to file federal income tax returns for calendar years 2010 to 2013. During this period, he received gross income of approximately $252,860 in 2010, $45,353 in 2011, $199,067 in 2012, and $120,994 in 2013, yet failed to file a federal tax return by the respective due dates.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Gregory and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.

Lawrence P. Tatem, 50, was sentenced by Senior Judge Charles R. Simpson III on [Date]. The exact date is not specified in the given source, but the article is dated 2024, suggesting the sentencing occurred in 2024.

Tatem’s sentence includes 27 months in prison and one year supervisory release, totaling 28 months. The total amount of taxes, penalties, and assessments evaded by Tatem is $533,498.

This case highlights the importance of tax compliance and the severe consequences of tax evasion. The Internal Revenue Service will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who attempt to evade their tax obligations.