Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Income Tax Returns

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa. pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of filing false income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

James E. Book, Sr., pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Book knowingly filed false income tax returns for 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, in which he understated his income and overstated his expenses, for a total tax loss of $239,940.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 9, 2018, at 1 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 12 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Book.