Thomas Rice, Tax Evasion, Pennsylvania 2010

SCRANTON, PA - In a shocking case of financial deception, 64-year-old Carbondale man Thomas Rice has been charged with tax evasion by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, in 2010 and 2011, Thomas Rice made false statements to the Internal Revenue Service to conceal his mother’s assets by deliberately underreporting her retirement account balance and inflating her expenses in an attempt to evade federal income taxes due for the years 2004 through 2008.

Rice, who was acting under a power of attorney for his mother at the time, used funds from her retirement account to pay his own personal expenses instead of her outstanding tax balances.

The government also filed a plea agreement with the defendant, which is subject to the approval of the court.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Evan Gotlob.

Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The maximum penalty under federal law is 5 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

The case highlights the importance of honesty and transparency when dealing with financial matters, and serves as a reminder that tax evasion is a serious crime with severe consequences.

Defendant Information:

Defendant: Thomas Rice

Exact Criminal Charges: Tax Evasion

City and State: Carbondale, Pennsylvania

Crime Date: 2004-2008

Sentence or Outcome: Pending

Dollar Amounts: None

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/carbondale-man-charged-tax-evasion