Author Archives: Russ

A Rather Large Case of Fraud

The bigger they come, the harder they fall. So goes the cliche, and so also go the owners of Circle Industries in Alpharetta, Georgia. Gerald Marchelletta, Sr., and Gerald Marchelletta, Jr., own Circle Industries. They specialize in drywall construction, and … Continue reading

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Snipes Loses Role; Passport Has Been Seized

Poor Wesley Snipes. As you may remember, Snipes will soon be on trial for allegedly filing a false claim for an income tax refund. As Joe Kristan of Roth Tax Updates reports, Mr. Snipes lost the lead in Spike Lee’s … Continue reading

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War Tax Proposal DOA

Three Congressmen proposed on Monday a war surtax—a measure that would increase income tax rates from between 2% and 15% (the top tax bracket would become 50% if enacted). The move is a publicity stunt that has no chance of … Continue reading

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Evade, and then Skip Out

Karen and Charles Petersen of Nowthen, Minnesota were indicted back in 2005 for tax evasion. The government alleged that they hid their income in a trust, and then used the trust to pay personal and business expenses. After they were … Continue reading

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Bozo Fraud Gets Real Jail Time

I must admit that I laughed when I read this story. From Canton, Georgia comes the tale of Larry Black. Mr. Black decided to set up a booth at a check-cashing store in suburban Atlanta. He said he was a … Continue reading

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Dallas City Hall Scandal Features Tax Evasion

A 166-page indictment was unsealed today in Dallas charging 16 individuals with bribery, receiving kickbacks, and tax evasion. The individuals, including State Representative Terri Hodge (D-Dallas), former Mayor Pro-Tem Donald Hill, and others face long terms at ClubFed if convicted … Continue reading

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Michigan: Jobs Leave, Taxes Rise

When an economy is having problems and jobs are leaving your state, the normal thing to do is to help businesses. Michigan has other ideas. The Detroit Free Press’ headline screams, “Chaos averted with deal to raise income tax, add … Continue reading

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Unaccountable Business Services?

Another alleged bozo tax preparation firm has apparently been put out of business. From Gilbert, Arizona (suburban Phoenix) come the story of Accountable Business Services. If you’ve read this blog before, and have noted the tale of Western Tax Service, … Continue reading

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Traylor Gets Probation

Earlier this year I noted the sad tale of Robert “Tractor” Traylor, the former NBA player with Milwaukee, Cleveland, Charlotte, and New Orleans. On Friday, Traylor was sentenced to three years probation for aiding and assisting in the preparation of … Continue reading

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Another Bozo Tax Preparer Out of a Job

Having had to deal with a few refugees from Western Tax Service, I’ve seen the damage that a bozo tax preparer can do. But this story is, well, ridiculous. >From Oronogo, Missouri, comes the story of Carrie Shafer. Ms. Shafer … Continue reading

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