Michael Haynes, Tax Evasion, Nevada 2008
Las Vegas Minister and Conspirator Sentenced in Tax Evasion Scheme
A Las Vegas minister and his conspirator have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a tax evasion scheme that netted them over $7 million. According to the Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Michael Haynes, a practicing minister, and David Jett, both of Las Vegas, were sentenced to 37 months in prison and five years probation, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hunt in Las Vegas.
The scheme involved the fraudulent sale of One Voice Technologies Inc. stock, with Haynes and Jett using at least ten stock certificates to generate the $7 million in gross proceeds. The proceeds were then deposited in a nominee bank account at the Bank of Nova Scotia, before being transferred to U.S. bank accounts controlled by Haynes and Jett.
Haynes and Jett then used the funds obtained from the sale of One Voice stock for their personal benefit, with Haynes failing to report the proceeds of the stock sale on his personal income taxes. The total amount of restitution ordered to be paid to the U.S. Treasury is $834,000 for Haynes and $150,000 for Jett.
Haynes was convicted of conspiring to evade taxes in September 2008, while Jett pleaded guilty to conspiracy in March 2008. The indictment and evidence presented at trial revealed that Haynes and Jett orchestrated the fraudulent sale of One Voice stock using nominee names.
According to court documents, Haynes directed the $7 million in stock proceeds to be deposited in a nominee bank account at the Bank of Nova Scotia, before being transferred to U.S. bank accounts controlled by Haynes and Jett. The investigation and prosecution of the case were commended by Acting Attorney General John A. DiCicco.
The case highlights the importance of reporting income and paying taxes on time. The IRS and the Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute tax evasion schemes, ensuring that those who commit these crimes are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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