Amarillo Anesthesiologist Arrested On Federal Tax Evasion Charges

Dr. Edgar A. Lockett, Jr. Formerly Resided and Practiced in Mineral Wells and McAllen, Texas

AMARILLO, Texas — Edgar A Lockett, Jr., was arrested yesterday on felony charges outlined in a federal indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month, and just unsealed, charging tax evasion. Lockett made his initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Clinton E. Averitte, who remanded him into custody pending further proceedings set for this Thursday, May 2, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. Today’s announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

According to the indictment, Lockett is a self-employed anesthesiologist who currently resides in Amarillo; he formerly resided and practiced in other cities in Texas, including Mineral Wells and McAllen. Currently, according to the indictment, Lockett bills under the name of Medical & Health Alliance Ministries.

The indictment alleges that Lockett has not filed income tax returns since 1999, except for a joint returned filed with his spouse for tax year 2007. The indictment alleges that for tax years 2000 through 2010, Lockett owes the United States $1,432,740 in unpaid income taxes.

According to the indictment, Lockett concealed from the IRS the nature, extent and location of his assets by placing funds and property in the names of nominee companies and secreting his income in bank accounts that he opened using his deceased father’s name and social security number.

A federal indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. Lockett is charged with six counts of tax evasion, and if convicted, each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. In addition, restitution could be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Drake is in charge of the prosecution.