Roger Whitman, Tax Evasion, Florida 2024

Fraud Exposed: A 76-year-old Florida man has pleaded guilty to evading nearly $2.4 million in taxes on income earned from his medical equipment business.

Roger Whitman, a Florida medical equipment manufacturer, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion in connection with his failure to pay taxes on millions of dollars in gross receipts from the sale of medical equipment between 2002 and 2018.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Whitman generated millions of dollars in gross receipts from the sale of medical equipment, but failed to file an individual income tax return or make any tax payments since 2000.

In 2012, the IRS assessed nearly $800,000 in taxes against Whitman for tax years 2002 through 2009, prompting him to form a trust with his girlfriend as trustee to conceal his income and assets.

Whitman caused his girlfriend to open two bank accounts in the trust’s name, over which his girlfriend had sole signatory authority, and directed his income from the business into the trust’s bank accounts, using the funds to pay personal expenses.

To further thwart IRS collection efforts, Whitman formed a new entity to operate his business in approximately July 2019.

Whitman faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as supervised release and monetary penalties. His sentencing is scheduled for November 13.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement, praising the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and IRS Criminal Investigation in the case.

Whitman’s plea is a significant blow to those who would seek to evade their tax obligations, said Goldberg, emphasizing the importance of fair taxation in supporting essential public services.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case, with Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind and Andres Chinchilla of the Tax Division prosecuting the case, assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

The case serves as a reminder that tax evasion will be vigorously pursued and punished, said officials, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance in maintaining a fair and just society.

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