Travis Harner, Filing False Income Tax Return, West Virginia 2019

Crime on the Rise: Local Business Owner Caught in Tax Fraud Scandal

In a shocking turn of events, Travis A. Harner, 42, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a serious crime that has left many in the community reeling. According to authorities, Harner pleaded guilty to one count of "Filing False Income Tax Return."

The crime, which occurred in April 2019 in Monongalia County, resulted in Harner understating his income by more than $204,000, resulting in unpaid and due tax of more than $69,000. But that’s not all – Harner’s actions resulted in a total of over $433,000 in unpaid taxes from 2008 to 2019, stemming from his businesses, Talan Trucking & Excavating, LLC and Harner Construction, LLC, as well as his personal income taxes.

As the owner and operator of these companies, Harner’s failure to pay the IRS has left many wondering how such a serious crime could go unchecked for so long. The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Aloi presided over the case, and the seriousness of the offense is expected to be taken into account during sentencing. Harner faces up to three years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of tax compliance and the serious consequences of failing to do so. As the community struggles to come to terms with Harner’s actions, one thing is clear: tax fraud will not be tolerated.

Mandatory Facts:

Defendant/Respondent: Travis A. Harner
Criminal Charges: Filing False Income Tax Return
City and State: Morgantown, West Virginia
Exact Date: April 2019
Sentence or Outcome: Faces up to three years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000
Dollar Amounts: Over $433,000 in unpaid taxes, over $69,000 in unpaid and due tax

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