Archive for July 16th, 2010

We’ve written previously about inmates filing false tax returns while incarcerated, but this post is the first one about inmates doing so while so close to home, in Sevierville, Tennessee.  The story from Knoxnews.com is below.  If you need help with a tax crime, contact criminal defense and tax attorney Norman D. McKellar today at 865-566-0125.

KNOXVILLE – A Sevierville man faces charges he filed false tax returns while incarcerated on behalf of prison inmates, resulting in refunds totaling about $58,651, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Walter Allen “Beau” Johnson is named in an indictment charging him with filing false claims against the U.S. and with conspiring to defraud the U.S.

According to a Justice Department news release, Johnson submitted false tax returns claiming refunds on behalf of inmates from February 2006 to January 2007. He collected inmate Social Security numbers and recruited other inmates to secure Social Security numbers.

He used the Social Security numbers to file false income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, claiming refunds to which the inmates were not entitled, according to the Justice Department.

Johnson and the other inmates got about 88 U.S. Treasury checks, according to the government.

If convicted, he faces a maximum 65 years in prison and a maximum fine of $3 million.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Till death do us part? The vow would really hold true in California if a Sacramento Web designer gets his way.

In a movement that seems ripped from the pages of Comedy Channel writers, John Marcotte wants to put a measure on the ballot next year to ban divorce in California.

The effort is meant to be a satirical statement after California voters outlawed gay marriage in 2008, largely on the argument that a ban is needed to protect the sanctity of traditional marriage. If that’s the case, then Marcotte reasons voters should have no problem banning divorce.

“Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more,” the 38-year-old married father of two said.

Marcotte said he has collected dozens of signatures, including one from his wife of seven years. The initiative’s Facebook fans have swelled to more than 1,100. Volunteers that include gay activists and members of a local comedy troupe have signed on to help.

Please contact your local Knoxville Divorce Attorney for a free consultation regarding any family law issue at The Mckellar Law Firm, PLLC at (865) 566-0125.