CLEVELAND, OHIO – A federal grand jury sitting in Cleveland has handed down an indictment charging Richard Gould, 65, of Strongsville, with two counts of making and subscribing false tax returns.
“Knowingly underreporting taxable income, or otherwise submitting a false tax return, is a criminal tax violation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “As people prepare or review their tax returns this year, let this be a reminder that intentional violations of tax laws will be investigated by the IRS and prosecuted by our Office.”
“With filing season in full swing, it is important to file accurate and timely tax returns,” said Bryant Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office. “Investigating those who willfully and intentionally file false tax returns is a top priority for IRS CI.”
According to the indictment, for the calendar years of 2014 and 2015, the defendant is accused of filing a joint United States Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040) with his spouse and knowingly underreporting total income for both years. Specifically, the defendant is accused of stating that his occupation was “unemployed” when he knew, in fact, that he was gainfully employed.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian McDonough.