FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 11, 2001

Norma Estimbo Lacy
Public Affairs Specialist
Phone: 713/567-9388
Fax: 713/718-3389
E-Mail: usatty.txs@usdoj.gov

HOUSTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO INCOME TAX FRAUD

Daniel C. Rodriguez, Assistant U. S. Attorney
Phone: 713/567-9718

(HOUSTON) U. S. Attorney Gregory A. Serres announced today that Johnny Ray Farris, Sr., age 62, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt to making false statements on his 1994 income tax return and failing to file an individual tax return for income earned in 1995.

The maximum statutory sentence the defendant faces, is up to four years confinement and/or up to $350,000 in fines, together with the costs of prosecution. Judge Hoyt set Mr. Farris' sentence hearing for January 2, 2002.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Daniel C. Rodriguez of the Houston Division.

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