| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 8, 2009 WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/CAN |
OAKLAND, Calif. – A former resident of Pleasanton, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury today on three counts of tax evasion, United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello and Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Scott O’Briant announced.
The indictment alleges that Ranni K. Hillyer willfully attempted to evade and defeat a large part of the income tax due and owing on the joint federal income tax returns filed by her and her spouse for the 2002 and 2003 tax years and on her personal income tax return for the tax year 2004. According to the indictment, Hillyer prepared or caused to be prepared, false and fraudulent tax returns by stating that her taxable income was a certain sum when she in fact knew that her taxable income was substantially in excess of the amount stated on the returns and additional tax was due and owing.
The maximum statutory penalty for each count of tax evasion in violation of Title 26 U.S.C. § 7201 is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, plus restitution if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Cynthia Stier is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Kathy Tat. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.
Please note, an indictment contains only allegations against an individual and, as with all defendants, Ms. Hillyer must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Further Information:
Case #:09-00982-PJH
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