A Fayette County businessman has been brought to justice for failing to pay employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Carol Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Steve Lopez, 68, owner of Ready Transport Services (RTS) and RTS Ice Cream, Coffee and Candy Shop, both located in Montgomery, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to failing to pay over employment taxes. Lopez was responsible for collecting and paying social security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld from his employees’ wages, as well as paying the employer’s share of his employees’ social security and Medicare taxes.
Between 2009 and 2012, Lopez failed to pay approximately $393,851 in employment taxes due to the IRS, including funds withheld from his employees’ paychecks as well as money he owed as their employer. Lopez admitted to not paying these taxes, which is a serious crime.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who worked diligently to bring Lopez to justice. Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Mara Strier of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas E. Johnston has scheduled sentencing for March 14, 2018. Lopez faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Lopez’s actions were a clear violation of the law, and he will now face the consequences. The Tax Division is committed to ensuring that individuals and businesses pay their fair share of taxes.
Steve Lopez, 68, of Fayette County, West Virginia, is charged with failing to pay over employment taxes. The crime occurred between 2009 and 2012. Lopez faces a maximum of five years in prison and will be sentenced on March 14, 2018. He was responsible for collecting and paying social security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld from his employees’ wages, as well as paying the employer’s share of his employees’ social security and Medicare taxes. Lopez failed to pay approximately $393,851 in employment taxes due to the IRS.
Defendant: Steve Lopez | Crime: Failing to Pay Over Employment Taxes | City: Montgomery, West Virginia | Date: 2012 | Sentence: Up to 5 years in prison | Amount: $393,851 | Current Status: Awaiting Sentencing on March 14, 2018
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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