Custer Man Pleads Guilty To Tax Evasion

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Custer, South Dakota, man has pled guilty to a federal income tax evasion charge.

​Dennis Wicks, age 71, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August  22, 2013, and pled guilty to an Information charging him with income tax evasion for the year 2009, during which Wicks received taxable income of over $50,000.  

Wicks admitted to directing some of his patients to make payments payable to a nominee entity, instead of to himself, in an attempt to evade the assessment of taxes against him.  Wicks also admitted to attempting to evade or defeat taxes due in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2010.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

​The investigation is being conducted by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.  

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set.  Wicks was released on bond pending sentencing.