Bail Bondsman Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud
Kenneth L. Richardson, 50, of Nashville, Tenn., pleaded guilty on September 24, 2012, to filing a false federal income tax return and to willfully failing to file a federal income tax return, announced Jerry E. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Kathryn Keneally, Assistant Attorney General for the Tax Division.
According to the plea agreement, Richardson owned and operated Skyy Bonding Company, a bail bonding company located in Nashville and at the same time, served as a pastor at St. Marks Church and received income from both entities.
Richardson and his wife filed a federal income tax return for tax year 2004, listing an adjusted gross income of $52,714. Richardson admitted during the plea hearing that the 2004 income tax return was false and that he and his wife earned at least $248,174 in adjusted gross income during 2004. Richardson also admitted that he and his wife earned at least $291,174 in adjusted gross income during tax year 2005, but failed to file a federal income tax return as required by law.
Sentencing in the case is set for December 10, 2012, before United States District Judge Todd Campbell. Richardson faces up to 4 years in prison and up to $350,000 in fines. Additionally, Richardson could be ordered to pay restitution to the IRS.
The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn B. Ward, and Trial Attorney Michelle M. Petersen of the Department of Justice- Tax Division.
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