Alabama Couple Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion
A Dothan, Alabama couple, Monty Ervin and Patricia Ervin, have been sentenced to prison for tax evasion. Monty Ervin, the owner of Southern Realty, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and tax evasion. Patricia Ervin, also an owner of Southern Realty, was sentenced to five years of probation, with the condition that she spend 40 consecutive weekends in jail.
The Ervins were convicted of one count of conspiracy, three counts of tax evasion, and Patricia Ervin was also convicted of one count of structuring transactions to avoid bank reporting requirements. The couple was found to have amassed hundreds of investment properties over the last decade, receiving more than $9 million in rental income, but paying no federal income taxes.
The Ervins proclaimed that they were not United States citizens and did not consider themselves subject to federal or state law. In addition to their tax evasion charges, the couple also filed numerous documents in probate court renouncing their U.S. citizenship.
U.S. District Judge Myron H. Thompson ordered the Ervins to pay $1,436,508. The judge also found that Monty Ervin was the leader and organizer of the conspiracy and exercised control over Patricia Ervin.
The case against the Ervins was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Justice Department. The sentencing sends a strong message that tax defiers who conceal assets in bogus trusts risk criminal prosecution and substantial prison terms.
Defendant: Monty Ervin, Patricia Ervin
Criminal Charges: Conspiring to defraud the United States, tax evasion, structuring transactions to avoid bank reporting requirements
City and State: Dothan, Alabama
Date: October 25, 2011
Sentence: Monty Ervin – 120 months in federal prison, Patricia Ervin – five years of probation with 40 consecutive weekends in jail
Dollar Amounts: $1,436,508 in restitution ordered
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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