Manuel Rocha, Filing a False Tax Return, Colorado 2026

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Aurora, Colorado, resident Manuel Rocha is facing the music for his alleged role in cooking the books on his tax returns. The 40-year-old business owner pleaded guilty to filing a false personal tax return with the IRS, according to court documents.

Rocha, who operated two businesses in Denver – Rocha’s Drain, a drain installation company, and Rocha’s Liquor, a liquor store – allegedly diverted income to additional bank accounts to conceal the true amount of money he earned. This scheme allowed him to underreport the income his businesses brought in each year.

The extent of Rocha’s tax evasion is staggering. In 2021, he reported $57,907 in gross receipts for his two businesses, when in reality they earned a whopping $691,650 – a difference of over $600,000. This is just one example of the many years Rocha allegedly falsified his tax returns, causing a total tax loss of approximately $2.2 million to the United States.

Rocha’s sentencing is scheduled for August 25, where he could face a maximum of three years in prison for his crimes. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement, highlighting the importance of holding individuals accountable for tax evasion. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Rocha’s actions will impact his business and personal life.

Source: Department of Justice

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