GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN - Michael Hoffman, 59, of Ada, Michigan, pleaded guilty to willfully filing a false corporate tax return, U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr., announced today. Hoffman faces a sentence of three years imprisonment; a one year period of supervised release; a fine of $250,000; costs of prosecution; and a mandatory special assessment of $100. U.S. Attorney Miles was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez, IRS Criminal Investigation.
Hoffman, the owner of Hoffman Jewelers of East Grand Rapids, Michigan, acknowledged to U.S. Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody that he willfully filed a false income tax return for his business in 2007 and further that the total tax loss for 2007 - 2009 for both the business and his personal returns was $261,320. The Government noted that Hoffman has paid that amount but faces additional civil penalties.
“This is a prime example of the serious consequences for cheating on your taxes," said Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez. “By pleading guilty, Hoffman is acknowledging he intentionally did not report all of the earnings from his jewelry business."
Sentencing has been set for Nov. 14, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff.
Special Agents of the IRS investigated the case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis prosecuted it.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
