Valdez couple pleads guilty to tax evasion of more than $190,000
Anchorage, Alaska B U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, Gary and Marladeen Jokela of Valdez, Alaska each pled guilty to one count of tax evasion. As part of their guilty pleas, the Jokelas admitted that they willfully evaded the payment of more than $190,000 in federal income taxes.
According to court filings, the Jokelas last filed a tax return in 1984. Meanwhile, Gary Jokela had outstanding tax liabilities that had not been paid since at least 1998. The IRS previously assessed taxes against Mr. Jokela and sent him numerous notices that the Service intended to levy his wages and bank accounts. The plea agreements signed by the defendants stated that when the Jokelas received these notices, both Jokelas began cashing Gary Jokela’s paychecks rather than depositing them to their joint bank account. Around the same time, Mrs. Jokela opened a separate bank account in her own name. Neither Gary Jokela's name, nor his social security number, was associated with this new account. The Jokelas used this separate account to pay over $150,000 in American Express bills between 2002 and 2008.
The Jokelas admitted to allegations that they consistently failed to make any payments to the IRS between 1998 and 2008, and that they continually spent income on other personal items, including a motor home, a timeshare, and vacations. They likewise made cash payments on personal items, including their personal vehicles. By using cash and money orders to pay bills, the defendants prevented the IRS from collecting the taxes that were due and owing by Mr. Jokela.
Tax evasion is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing in the case is scheduled for November 9, 2012, before the Honorable H. Russel Holland, Senior United States District Judge.
Ms. Loeffler commends the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation for the investigation of this case. This case is being jointly prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Bradley and Trial Attorney Stephanie Carowan Courter of the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division.
