Owner Of Leading San Diego Catering Service Sentenced For Role In Tax Evasion Scheme

United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that today Robert Peltier, one of the two principal owners and operators of Ranch Catering (dba "Ranch Events"), was ordered to pay $222,822 in restitution for committing tax evasion stemming from the operation of his business. United States District Judge Janis L. Sammartino also sentenced the defendant to serve six months home incarceration and six months home detention.

According to its website, Ranch Catering is one of San Diego’s "leading catering specialists, managing many exciting and unique venues and some of the largest Special Events in America." As detailed in charging documents, Peltier - while operating the catering business in 2003 - deposited proceeds from the business into accounts located at two different banks. When it came time to prepare his tax returns, Peltier provided his tax preparer with the deposits from only one of the two banks. As a result, he failed to declare $419,000 in catering income to the IRS. By concealing this income, Peltier caused Ranch Catering to evade paying $112,824 in taxes due and owing.

As revealed during his sentencing hearing, Robert Peltier was ordered to pay $221,792 in back taxes, penalties and interest on the taxes evaded. In addition, his son Jason Peltier (who is a co-owner of the business) entered into a separate civil settlement with the IRS requiring him to pay an additional $505,435 in back taxes, penalties and interest.

United States Attorney Duffy commented: “Given the difficult economic situation facing this country, it is imperative that we do not allow individuals to evade their duty to shoulder a fair share of the tax burden. Otherwise, honest citizens end up paying more than their rightful share."

“As hard-working citizens are sitting down to prepare their tax returns, it is imperative that IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) remain vigilant in our pursuit of those taxpayers who fail to report all of their income,” commented N. Dawn Mertz, Acting Special Agent in Charge for IRS CI Los Angeles Field Office. “Today’s sentencing of Robert Peltier should serve as a deterrent to those contemplating filing a false tax return.”

DEFENDANT		Criminal Case No. 12cr3126-JLS
Robert Peltier		Jamul, California
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Count 1: Title 26, United States Code, Section 7201 - Tax Evasion
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation