Steven Darbee, Tax Evasion, Colorado 2024

A Brighton man has been sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for tax evasion.

Steven Darbee, age 50, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, a consequence of his failure to pay federal income tax. The IRS discovered that Darbee evaded the assessment of federal income tax by submitting false Form W-4s claiming multiple dependents.

Between April 2013 and January 2021, Darbee claimed up to 99 dependents, and in 2021, he claimed he was 'exempt' from paying federal taxes. His employers were unaware of the false claims, and the IRS attempted to bring him into compliance.

United States Attorney Cole Finegan emphasized that 'everyone must pay their taxes.' IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge, Todd Martin, added that 'tax cheats must know they will not get away with it.'

The investigation, conducted by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, revealed that Darbee had an opportunity to pay all taxes due and owing for each calendar year by the April filing date but did not do so. He also failed to file a tax return for any of the years in question.

On January 10, 2024, United States District Court Judge Nina Y. Wang sentenced Darbee to 12 months and one day in federal prison. In addition to his term of incarceration, he was ordered to pay $308,370.59 to the IRS in taxes, interest, and penalties, and to serve 3 years on supervised release after his custodial sentence.

The case, number 23-cr-00099, was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Martha A. Paluch.

The consequences of Darbee's actions serve as a reminder that tax evasion is a serious offense with significant repercussions. It is essential for individuals to comply with tax laws and regulations to avoid facing similar penalties.

Mandatory Facts:
Defendant: Steven Darbee
Criminal Charges: Tax Evasion
City and State: Brighton, Colorado
Exact Date: January 10, 2024
Sentence: 12 months and one day in federal prison, $308,370.59 in taxes, interest, and penalties, and 3 years on supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/brighton-man-sentenced-tax-evasion