Contact:
Paul D. Lochner
Assistant United States Attorney
(906) 226-2500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marquette, Michigan – March 10, 2005 – United States Attorney Margaret M. Chiara announced today that on March 9, 2005, Richard John Beauchamp, age 63, of Gladstone, Michigan, was sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley to one year of probation, including 90 days of home confinement, 80 hours of community service, a $1,000 fine and a $25 special assessment.

Beauchamp was found guilty on October 27, 2004, following a bench trial, of interfering with the administration of Internal Revenue laws, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7212(a). At trial, the government proved that Beauchamp, through threats of force, impeded and intimidated Internal Revenue fuel compliance officers who were inspecting diesel fuel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in April, 2004.

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 Maarten Vermaat and Paul D. Lochner prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.