OAKLAND - William H. Paris, Jr., aka Bubba Paris, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of failing to file a federal income tax return with the IRS, announced United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge José M. Martinez.
Paris, 53, of Discovery Bay, Calif., started Paris Enterprises in 1985, a business where he earned income as a motivational speaker and by selling autographed memorabilia. He was the Chief Executive Officer since its inception until present. Paris also controlled all of the bookkeeping and finances of the business since the year 2006.
According to the plea agreement, Paris admitted that between 2006 and 2008, he willfully failed to file a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return despite earning income. Specifically, Paris earned at least $57,187 in 2006, $83,856 in 2007, and $41,700 in 2008, but failed to report that income to the IRS. Paris also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $126,530.
Paris was charged on Feb. 11, 2013, with three counts of failing to file tax returns. He pleaded guilty to one count. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 21, 2014 in front of The Honorable Kandis A. Westmore, U.S. Magistrate Court Judge.
The maximum statutory penalty for each count of failure to file a federal tax return, in violation of Title 26, U.S.C. § 7203, is one year in prison and a fine of $100,000. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles Parker and Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Newman are prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
