JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - On Jan. 15, 2013, a resident of Winter Garden, Fl., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of income tax evasion, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four-count indictment named Walter C. Pruchnik, Jr.
According to the indictment presented to the court, from April 15, 2008, until April 15, 2011, Pruchnik owed substantially more federal income tax for the calendar years 2007 through 2010 than he declared on his income tax returns. Specifically, Pruchnik stated his taxable income for the calendar year 2007 was the sum of $66 and the amount of tax he owed was $5,316, when, in actuality, his taxable income for that year was $198,713, upon which he owed to the United States of America income tax of $66,079. For the calendar year 2008, Pruchnik stated his taxable income was -$3,638 and the amount of tax he owed was $4,380. However, in actuality, his taxable income for that year was $180,595, upon which he owed to the United States of America income tax of $58,890. For the calendar year 2009, Pruchnik stated his taxable income was $55,998 and the amount of tax he owed was $18, 677. However, in actuality, his taxable income for that year was $110,630, upon which he owed to the United States of America income tax of $35,125. For the calendar year 2010, Pruchnik stated his taxable income was $35,447 and the amount of tax he owed was $12,197. However, in actuality, his taxable income for that year was $50,795, upon which he owed to the United States of America income tax of $16,833.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the 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 leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys