Clarkston Man Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion

A 40-year-old Clarkston man pleaded guilty today to income tax evasion in connection with his 2008 federal income tax return, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced. 

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Carolyn Weber, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.

Bradley T. McKouen entered the guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Gershwin A. Drain.

According to court records, during the 2008 tax year, McKouen was the president and sole member of Delta Staffing, LLC, an employee leasing company located in Clarkston.  Delta was a Schedule C company, meaning its profits were to be reported on Schedule C as a part of McKouen’s personal federal income tax return.  In 2008, Delta’s gross receipts were approximately $5.7 million.  However, McKouen reported $0 gross receipts on his return.  He also reported $0 business income, $0 taxable income, and $0 income tax.  In 2008, McKouen’s actual taxable income was approximately $299,000 and his tax due was approximately $110,000.  Under his plea agreement, McKouen is also being held responsible for filing similar false returns for the years 2004-2007.  In all, he evaded $319,000 in federal income taxes for the years 2004-2008.

"Each of us is responsible for filing accurate tax returns," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carolyn Weber. "IRS Criminal Investigation will pursue those who attempt to dodge their tax obligations."

The sentencing hearing was set by Judge Drain for September 4, 2014 at 2 p.m..  The maximum penalty for tax evasion is imprisonment of  five years, a $250,000 fine, and an order of restitution.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hiyama.