Contact:
Paul D. Lochner or Maarten Vermaat
Assistant United States Attorneys
(906) 226-2500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marquette, Michigan – October 28, 2004 – United States Attorney Margaret M. Chiara announced today that Richard Beauchamp, age 63, of Gladstone, Michigan, was found guilty yesterday, following a bench trial, of interfering with the administration of Internal Revenue laws, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7212(a). The count carries a maximum penalty of not more than 1 year incarceration and a fine of $3,000.00.

The Information in this case charged that, on or about April 21, 2004, in Delta County, in the Northern Division of the Western District of Michigan, Richard Beauchamp, did, by force and threats of force, endeavor to intimidate and impede Internal Revenue Service employees, who were officers or employees of the United States acting in an official capacity, and did by force and threats of force, obstruct, impede and endeavor to obstruct and impede the due administration of Internal Revenue law.

In trial, the United States Attorney proved that Mr. Beauchamp impeded and intimidated Internal Revenue fuel compliance officers, who were inspecting diesel fuel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last April.

Ms. Chiara expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the agents of the Treasury Inspector General Offices of Grand Rapids and Detroit. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul D. Lochner and Maarten Vermaat prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.