Former Club Rage Bouncer Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison For Tax Fraud

United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentence of JOHN HUNTER, SR., 47, to 70 months in federal prison for filing false tax returns. Following a four-day trial before Senior U.S. District Court Judge David S. Doty, a jury on December 3, 2015, found HUNTER guilty of all the charges against him, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, false claims, and aggravated identity theft. HUNTER was sentenced today before Judge Doty in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.

"Today's 70 month sentencing of Mr. John Hunter exemplifies the driven focus of IRS Special Agents as they relentlessly pursue identity theft and refund fraud crimes," said Shea Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Paul Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will continue to investigate the criminals who are stealing from the American taxpayer.”

As proven at trial, in 2010, HUNTER fraudulently claimed more than $200,000 in tax refunds to which he was not entitled. HUNTER misrepresented both his income and the incomes of 48 others, using their personal identifying information to file false tax returns. In 2009, HUNTER claimed a $8,222 tax refund based on earnings of $13,000 from his job at the Maplewood nightclub, Club Rage, in 2009. His actual earnings were closer to $4,000 and no taxes had been withheld from his paychecks.

As proven at trial, HUNTER also recruited dozens of friends and acquaintances, including minors, for whom he would file fraudulent returns by exaggerating or falsifying their incomes. HUNTER claimed that several of these acquaintances had worked at Club Rage or Holiday Stores, though they never had.

As proven at trial, HUNTER unsuccessfully tried to continue his scheme in 2012, claiming that he had earned over $19,000 at Jimmy John’s sandwich shop. He also filed false taxes for two others without their knowledge, claiming almost $20,000 in fraudulent refunds. The IRS rejected his claims.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations Division with substantial assistance from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Thompson and Amber Brennan. 

Defendant Information:

JOHN HUNTER, SR., 47

Eagan, Minn.

Convicted:

• Conspiracy to defraud the United States, 1 count
• False claims, 8 counts
• Aggravated identity theft, 2 counts

Sentenced:

• 70 months in prison

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600