A Southern California man has been found guilty of tax evasion and lying to the IRS after attempting to flee from prosecution.
Louis Joseph Vadino, 75, of Ramona, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury after a five-day trial. He had previously pleaded guilty to failing to appear for court, conspiracy, two counts of passport fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
From 2002 to 2006, the IRS was actively attempting to audit and assess Vadino’s taxes owed. Vadino had purchased five residential properties in Lake Forest between 1999 and 2002 under the name of a shell company. Vadino, his three adult daughters, and his mother resided in these homes. In the fall of 2006, Vadino directed his daughter to obtain refinance loans on three of the Lake Forest properties and sold a fourth Lake Forest property, resulting in $2.1 million in loan and sale proceeds being wire transferred to a bank account in Greece controlled by Vadino.
When scheduled to go to trial in the case, Vadino cut off his ankle bracelet and absconded. In October 2014, he applied for a U.S. passport using another person’s identity. Vadino was captured in December 2014 and has been in custody since then.
“This defendant went to great lengths to hide income from the IRS and to attempt to escape justice,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This case demonstrates the dedication of the IRS to ensuring that tax evaders face serious consequences for their actions.”
Defendant: Louis Joseph Vadino
Criminal Charges: Tax evasion and lying to the IRS, failing to appear for court, conspiracy, two counts of passport fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft
City and State: Ramona, California
Arrest Date: Not specified
Sentencing Date: February 6, 2017
Sentence: Up to 44 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison
Dollar Amount: $2.1 million
Related Federal Cases
- Louis Joseph Vadino, Tax Evasion and Passport Fraud, California 2023 · Alaska
- Louis Joseph Vadino, Tax Evasion, CA, 2023 · Alaska
- Amy Evangelista, Tax Return Fraud, California 2023 · California
- Amy Evangelista, Tax Fraud, California 2023 · Louisiana
- Amy Evangelista, Tax Evasion, California 2026 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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