‘RuSA’ Leader Turner Convicted in $300M Tax Fraud

MONTGOMERY, AL – James Timothy Turner, 57, of Skipperville, Alabama, known as Tim Turner, is facing decades behind bars after a federal jury found him guilty of a complex scheme to defraud the United States. The verdict, delivered after a five-day trial in Montgomery, Alabama, caps a probe into Turner’s activities as the self-proclaimed “President” of the so-called sovereign citizen group “Republic for the united States of America” (“RuSA”).

The FBI’s investigation began with bizarre threats. Turner and three associates sent demands to all fifty U.S. governors, ordering their resignations within three days under threat of “removal.” But the threats were just the surface of a much larger, calculated effort to undermine the IRS. Prosecutors demonstrated Turner traveled the country in 2008 and 2009, teaching followers how to submit fraudulent “bonds” as payment for federal taxes. Witnesses testified that Turner went to elaborate lengths – using specialized paper, financial jargon, and ornate borders – to make the fake bonds appear legitimate.

The evidence presented at trial showed Turner didn’t just preach the scheme, he practiced it. He personally sent a $300 million “bond” in his own name and actively assisted others in submitting fifteen more to the Treasury Department, attempting to erase their tax debts. But the fraud didn’t stop there. Turner also instructed his followers on how to weaponize the system, filing retaliatory liens against government officials who dared to question the validity of the bogus bonds. He himself filed a purported $17.6 billion maritime lien in Montgomery County, Alabama Probate Court, targeting another individual.

“The jury’s verdict in this case sends a message that defrauding the government and others through the use of bogus financial documents will not be tolerated,” stated Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Tax Division Kathryn Keneally. “Disagreement with the law is no excuse for the real harm caused by these self-interested tax defiers.” Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra J. Stewart added, “These sovereign citizen groups use these retaliatory tax liens and fraudulent tax schemes as weapons against the United States and its citizens. It is only the hard work of law enforcement that can stop these criminals from using these financial weapons.”

Federal investigators underscored the importance of tackling these schemes. “The prosecution of individuals who intentionally impede the IRS by submitting fictitious and frivolous documents, in an attempt to avoid paying federal taxes, is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our tax system,” said Veronica Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. Stephen Richardson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Mobile Division, emphasized the commitment to pursue those who attempt to “cheat and steal from the government” through tax fraud.

Turner remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing. He now faces a potential maximum prison term of 164 years, a maximum potential fine of $2,350,000, and is required to pay full restitution for the damages caused by his scheme. The case was prosecuted by Tax Division Trial Attorney Justin Gelfand and Middle District of Alabama Assistant U.S. Attorney Gray Borden.

PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
usaalm.press@usdoj.gov
(334) 551-1755