Beaumont, Texas, Attorney Pleads Guilty To Tax Violation

SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Craig J. Schexnaider, of Beaumont, Texas, entered a guilty plea Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn to one count of failing to file an income tax return.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Schexnaider an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, had gross income in calendar year 2008 of approximately $140,000, an amount in excess of the $3,500 minimum that triggered the requirement to file a federal income tax return.   And, even after he requested a six-month extension for the filing of his 2008 federal individual income tax return and the Department of the Treasury approved his request and granted an extension until October 15, 2009, Schexnaider willfully failed to file his 2008 federal individual income return by October 15, 2009 as required by law.

Today’s guilty plea resulted from an Information that was filed in November 2013 charging Schexnaider with four counts of failing to file income tax returns when he had the following in gross income: $73,920 in 2007; $143,797 in 2008; $110,669 in 2009; and $43,740 in 2010. As a result of today’s plea agreement, the government will dismiss the remaining counts after sentencing.
Schexnaider faces one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for one count of failing to file an income tax return.    A sentencing date has not been set. 

This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney William Flanagan is prosecuting the case.