⏱ 2 min read
Jalal Nimer Asad, a 62-year-old from Lindenhurst, Illinois, has been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in a massive tax evasion scheme that spanned multiple businesses in the Central District of Illinois. Asad, who owned and operated several convenience and liquor stores in Decatur and Peoria, was found guilty of keeping two sets of books to underreport earnings and pay less in federal, state, and local taxes. The scheme, which involved structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements, allowed Asad to withdraw over $4 million in cash without triggering bank reporting requirements.
Asad’s troubles began in 2009, when a federal grand jury returned indictments against him and multiple co-defendants. While his co-defendants were convicted or pleaded guilty, Asad fled the country and remained at large overseas for 15 years. He was finally returned to the United States in 2023 to stand trial, and was convicted on all charged counts in September 2025.
During his sentencing hearing on July 9, 2026, the government presented evidence that Asad had been living in the West Bank as a fugitive from these charges. Despite claiming to have significant financial resources prior to his conviction, Asad claimed to have no resources, bank accounts, or assets at the time of sentencing. U.S. District Judge Jonathan E. Hawley found that there was no doubt that Asad was the leader of the group that carried out the tax evasion scheme.
Asad has been ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution and a forfeiture judgement of over $4 million. His sentence is a significant victory for law enforcement, who have been pursuing him for over 15 years. The case serves as a reminder that tax evasion and financial crimes will not be tolerated, and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Illinois
- Location: IL
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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