AP reports that four individuals who promoted an alleged tax evasion program were arrested. The Department of Justice alleges that the four, Joseph Oquendo Saladino, Richard Allen Fuselier, Marcel Roy Bendshadler, and Michael Sean Mungovan (A.K.A. “Cajun Mike”) sold a program that cost the Treasury $7.5 million in tax losses. Their programs were offered through the “Freedom and Privacy Committee.”
While the US Attorney’s office in Portland, Oregon didn’t identify the specific programs (AP noted, “No details about the program were available, but federal prosecutors said it was not computer software.”), it’s easy to find out. Just go to their still operating website (but probably not for long), and click on “products/services,” and you see this page. Here’s some of the snake oil products they offered:
– For just $4,595 you can buy “Common Law Court Litigation.” As that webpage shows, you get to litigate in a “common law court.” Hey, they’ve gotten stays of actions (but I don’t see information as to how permanent and long-lasting those stays were). I wonder if the four arrested individuals will petition to have their cases heard in the “common law court” rather than the US District Court. (Hint: There is no such thing as a “common law court.”) Remember, they “…will report more as we continue to litigate and as we complete litigation in the Supreme Court of the United States.” I wouldn’t hold your breath.
– For just $1,095 you can buy the “Affidavit/Statement Program.” As they note on this web page, “United States law, at 26 U.S.C. Section 6011(a)i, allows you to file a Return or a Statement….” They’re correct. But you do have to have your forms compliant….At least this page notes, “FPC urges all its members to pay all taxes and to file all returns as required by United States law.” Oh, I almost forgot to mention that besides the $1,095 you have to pay them 25% of any refund you receive over $1,000.
I think you get the idea. There’s also a church program, an LLC program, and “Criminal Litigation Assistance.” I know four individuals who need that right now.
If you’re interested in these programs, I wouldn’t wait around. They’re not likely to be available for much longer. (I assume the US Attorney will ask for the website to be shut down and/or have a large disclaimer posted on it.)
Seriously, it’s amazing that “more than 1000 returns” were prepared using the Freedom and Privacy Committee’s products. But I guess people will do almost anything to avoid taxes except working with reputable tax preparers. As for the five accused (one is still at large), they’re looking at very lengthy stays at ClubFed if convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.