BIRMINGHAM – A federal jury today indicted a Trussville man for failure to file federal income tax returns for five years, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Clarke.

A five-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges DON WALTER WILLIAMS JR. with failure to file income tax returns for the years 2005 through 2009. Williams, 54, was sole owner of Covenant Mortgage Company, which is no longer in business. Williams is charged with failing to file tax returns on income totaling $838,180 over the five years.

“In this country, we have many rights and responsibilities. One of the most important responsibilities is the filing of federal income tax returns and the payment of any tax due,” Vance said. “Failure to live up to this responsibility is a crime, and we will aggressively prosecute that crime.”

“As we approach the end of the 2012 tax filing season, it is important to emphasize that filing a tax return and paying taxes is a solemn obligation of citizenship,” Clarke said. “Failure to file your tax return and pay your fair share of taxes is a serious crime that will be vigorously investigated, prosecuted and subject to the full punishment of the law.”

If convicted on all counts, William could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $125,000 fine, plus the repayment of all taxes, interest, and penalties owed.

IRS-Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whisonant Sr. is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

 

 

 

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