Former Axium International Tax Professional Admits Tax Evasion

          RIVERSIDE, California – An Orange County woman who formerly performed payroll tax services for Axium International, Inc. has pleaded guilty to a federal tax evasion charge.

          Christina M. Futak, 58, a resident of the City of Orange, pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of criminal tax evasion.

          The charge relates to conduct during the years 2002 through 2007, when Futak requested that Axium compensate her by making checks payable to “CFO, Inc.” Futak deposited her earnings from Axium into a bank account in the name of the company, using the proceeds for personal expenses and failing to report substantial sums on her federal income tax returns.

          In 2012, Futak signed a federal income tax return representing that her total income for 2006 was $52,690. In reality, she earned more than $227,000 that year. Futak similarly understated her income on her 2005 and 2007 tax returns, resulting in total tax losses of $138,523.

          “We will continue to work with IRS criminal investigators to ensure that everyone who interacts with the tax system does so with honesty and integrity,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Hiding income, making false claims against the government and seeking fraudulent tax refunds are all crimes that come with significant penalties.”

          Futak pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Jesus G. Bernal, who is scheduled to sentence the defendant on August 22. At sentencing, Futak will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

          “Christina Futak’s attempt to evade tax by hiding income and filing false returns was a theft from the American public. It is a felony offense that carries severe consequences,” stated IRS Criminal Investigation’s acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony J. Orlando. “Tax professionals should heed the message that, when they defraud the IRS, federal prison will likely be the next stop in their professional journey.”

          Futak is the third person to be charged in relation to an investigation into Axium by IRS Criminal Investigation. The former Axium CEO, John Visconti, who allegedly took millions of dollars of company funds and failed to report the income to the IRS (see: http://go.usa.gov/czhKj), is expected to go on trial in August. Ronald Garber, the former chief operating officer of the company, pleaded guilty to two counts of subscription to false tax returns and is scheduled to be sentenced in June 27.