Boston - In federal court today, a Mendon man was convicted of filing a false income tax return.
David Altavilla, 45, pleaded guilty before the Honorable Timothy S. Hillman to an Information charging him with filing a false income tax return.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the evidence would have proven that Altavilla operated an Internet blog called “HOTHARDWARE.COM” as a side business to supplement his regular employment. Altavilla sold advertising space on the site, which contained contributor articles reviewing computers, computer components, and other related items. For the calendar years 2006, 2007, and 2008, Altavilla under reported the total amount of gross receipts he took in from advertisers, resulting in an under reporting of his tax liability.
Altavilla faces up to three years in prison for filing a false tax return. As part of the plea agreement, the parties will jointly agree to recommend that the court order Altavilla to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $141,710.
U.S. Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz, Assistant Attorney General Kathryn Keneally of the Department of Justice Tax Division and William P. Offord, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Sean R. Delaney.
