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Former Buffalo Man Indicted for Tax Evasion and Failure to File Tax Returns
A shocking case of tax evasion has surfaced in the Western District of Missouri, where a former resident of Buffalo, Missouri, has been indicted for failing to pay taxes on a substantial income. Ronald Allen Downey, 56, has been charged with tax evasion and failure to file tax returns.
According to the indictment, Downey, who worked as an alternative healer and teacher in his company, Downey Life Transformation Center, received a staggering $818,386 in gross income in 2008, of which at least $79,343 constituted taxable income. Despite this substantial income, Downey allegedly failed to file an income tax return and attempted to evade paying taxes by using bank accounts that were opened with false Social Security numbers and by fraudulently using the credit card merchant account of another person to process commercial transactions.
The indictment also charges Downey with three counts of failing to file a federal income tax return. In 2009, Downey received gross income of $254,743, in 2010 he received $101,206, and in 2011 he received $69,423, yet he allegedly failed to file an income tax return for each of those years.
U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Garrison, and was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. Downey was arrested in Hawaii and initially appeared in U.S. District Court in Springfield, where he was released on bond.
Downey’s actions have sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for stricter enforcement of tax laws. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether Downey will be held accountable for his alleged crimes.
The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of complying with tax laws and the severe consequences of failing to do so. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t cheat the system,’ and Downey’s alleged actions are a prime example of this.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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