June 16, 2004

United States Attorney Mike Heavican and the Internal Revenue Service announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release: Stuart Mills, age 55, of Pender, Nebraska pleaded guilty to a one count Information charging him with corruptly obstructing and impeding or endeavoring to obstruct or impede the due administration of the Internal Revenue laws. Mills' plea was accepted by Magistrate David L. Piester in federal court in Lincoln on June 14, 2004.

In Court proceedings Mills, an attorney who assisted a client with an estate tax return, admitted that on or about June 30, 1999, he willfully obstructed or impeded the due administration of the Internal Revenue laws by filing altered renunciations with the Cuming County Court in an effort to evade and impede the collection of an estate tax.

"Individuals who counsel, aid, and assist in the preparation of tax returns for others have a responsibility to file accurate tax returns for their clients," said Thomas Brewer, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the St. Louis Field Office of IRS Criminal Investigation. "The IRS has a responsibility to vigorously investigate individuals who intentionally violate the nation's tax laws."

Mills faces a possible term of imprisonment of up to three years, a term of supervised released of up to one year, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment when he is sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Richard G. Kopf on August 31, 2004.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.

Name of Defendant: Stuart B. Mills

AKA:

DOB: May 22, 1949

Last Known Non-Custodial Address of Defendant: 502 S. 6th Street, Pender, NE

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Interference with the administration of the Internal Revenue laws - 3 yrs imprisonment; $250,000 fine; 1 year term of supervised release; $100 special assessment

Specific Location of Alleged Crime:

Location of Arrest:

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug:

Others Charged in Same Scheme:

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: June 30, 1999

Federal Arrest Date:

Date Complaint Issued:

Information filed: June 14, 2004

Initial Appearance Date: June 14, 2004

Plea or Trial and Date(s): June 14, 2004

Sentencing Date: August 31, 2004

Next Court Hearing Type and Date:

Assigned Magistrate Judge: David L. Piester

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody:

In Continuous Custody Since:

Assigned District Court Judge: Richard G. Kopf

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: ALE