PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of filing a false tax return, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Neil M. Niren, M.D. pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Niren, who operated his medical practice as a sole proprietorship, knowingly filed a false income tax return for 2005. Niren also accepted responsibility for filing false tax returns for years 2006 through 2008. Niren maintained two sets of accounting books and knowingly concealed payments received directly from patients. The total amount of tax loss to the federal government as a result of Niren’s false returns is $356,998.00.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Nov. 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 3 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentence, the court released Niren on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that lead to the prosecution of Niren.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
