Quad Cities Mixed Martial Arts Promoter Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax Return

DAVENPORT, IA – – On July 13, 2016, Monte A. Cox, 56, of Bettendorf, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to three months in federal prison for filing a false tax return announced United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Cox was also ordered to serve one year of supervised release following his prison term, pay $100 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and to cooperate with the Internal Revenue Service in the determination, assessment, and payment of any tax liability that Cox may have for calendar years 2007 through 2010.

Cox pled guilty on October 5, 2015. According to the plea agreement, Cox knowingly underreported income on his personal tax returns for the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. During this period Cox resided in Bettendorf, Iowa, and earned income as a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight promoter and fighter manager. He operated his business under the name Ultimate Productions, Inc. For each of these years, Cox knew that he had received income from his MMA-related activities and ownership of Ultimate Productions, Inc. that exceeded the income he reported on his tax returns. Cox underreported his income by an estimated $255,036 for 2007, $295,854 for 2008, $405,778 for 2009, and $152,509 for 2010. As a result, Cox owed the government an additional $370,478 in taxes for 2007-2010 beyond what he claimed in his false returns.

This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa.