The United States Attorney's Office
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA
Sharon L. Potter
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Fawn E. Thomas, Public Affairs Specialist
March 23, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bridgeport Couple Convicted on Tax Violations
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — Two Bridgeport, West Virginia, residents were convicted by a Federal Trial Jury today (March 23, 2007) in United States District Court in Clarksburg before Chief Judge Irene M. Keeley.
United States Attorney Sharon L. Potter announced that DOYLE R. SICKLES and ELIZABETH W. SICKLES were convicted after a week-long trial on charges contained in a five-count Indictment returned against them in April 2006 charging DOYLE R. SICKLES and ELIZABETH W. SICKLES, his wife, with evading taxes for the calendar years 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Specifically, DOYLE R. SICKLES and ELIZABETH W. SICKLES were both found guilty on two counts of filing false joint tax returns for the calendar years 1998 and 1999. DOYLE R. SICKLES and ELIZABETH W. SICKLES were also found guilty on Counts Three, Four, and Five of the Indictment charging them with tax evasion by not filing tax returns, by filing false returns, and by other acts of evasion such as placing assets in the names of others and impeding the lawful function of the Internal Revenue Service. Evidence was presented at trial that DOYLE R. SICKLES and ELIZABETH W. SICKLES diverted over $1.8 million of corporate funds for personal use.
The defendants, who are currently free on bond pending sentencing, face a maximum exposure of three years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 on each of their two convictions for filing false tax returns; and a maximum exposure of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 on each of their three convictions of tax evasion.
DOYLE R. SICKLES and ELIZABETH W. SICKLES were each acquitted on two counts of tax evasion for the years 1998 and 1999.
USA Potter stated, “This was a trial filled with documents, and we appreciate the jury’s attention. Our office will continue to work with the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division to investigate and prosecute tax offenses.”
The case was prosecuted by United States Attorney Sharon L. Potter and Assistant United States Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division.