TERRANCE P. LINK, Filing a False Tax Return, Illinois 2021

Former Illinois State Senator Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Tax Return

CHICAGO, IL - Former Illinois State Senator TERRANCE P. LINK pleaded guilty today to a federal tax charge and admitted willfully underreporting his income for several years.

Link, 73, pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, which is punishable by up to three years in federal prison. The guilty plea was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Stetler and James P. Durkin.

According to the plea agreement, Link admitted to willfully underreporting his income on his tax returns for the calendar years 2012 through 2016. The conduct caused total losses to the IRS of at least $71,133, and to the Illinois Department of Revenue of at least $11,527.

For the calendar year 2016, Link admitted that he underreported approximately $93,859, approximately $73,159 of which was money from a campaign fund – Friends of Terry Link – that Link spent on personal expenses, the plea agreement states.

Link agreed to pay restitution of $71,133 to the IRS, and $11,527 to the Illinois Department of Revenue.

A status hearing was set for March 30, 2021, at 9:00 a.m., but the sentencing date was not immediately set by U.S. District Judge Robert M. Dow, Jr.

The guilty plea highlights the importance of accurate tax reporting and the consequences of underreporting income. It also serves as a reminder that politicians are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions.

In this case, Link's actions resulted in significant financial losses to the government and the public. His guilty plea is a step towards justice and accountability.

As a society, we must hold our elected officials to the highest standards of integrity and ethics. The actions of individuals like Link undermine the public's trust in government and institutions.

Link's case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and those who break it will face consequences. The public expects its elected officials to uphold the law and act with integrity.

Ultimately, the guilty plea of TERRANCE P. LINK is a step towards accountability and justice. It highlights the importance of accurate tax reporting and the consequences of underreporting income.

As we move forward, it is essential to promote transparency and accountability in government. This starts with holding elected officials accountable for their actions and ensuring that they uphold the law.

Link's guilty plea is a reminder that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their position or status. It is a step towards a more just and equitable society, where those who break the law face consequences.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of tax law and public accountability, it is essential to remember the importance of integrity and ethics in government.

In conclusion, the guilty plea of TERRANCE P. LINK highlights the importance of accurate tax reporting and the consequences of underreporting income. It serves as a reminder that politicians are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions.

The case of TERRANCE P. LINK is a step towards justice and accountability, and we must continue to promote transparency and accountability in government to ensure that our elected officials act with integrity.

Defendant: TERRANCE P. LINK

Criminal Charge: Filing a False Tax Return

City and State: Chicago, IL

Date: March 30, 2021

Sentence: Up to three years in federal prison, with a status hearing set for March 30, 2021

Dollar Amounts: Total losses to the IRS of at least $71,133, and to the Illinois Department of Revenue of at least $11,527

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndil/pr/former-illinois-state-senator-pleads-guilty-federal-tax-charge