BOSTON - A Worcester man was arrested on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, on charges of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns.
Leonard Ngunjiri a/k/a Leonard Gitonga, 50, was charged in an indictment with one count of tax evasion and five counts of failure to file a tax return. Ngunjiri was released on conditions following an arraignment in federal court in Worcester.
According to the indictment, Ngunjiri attempted to evade paying taxes for tax years 2006-2008 and 2011 by concealing his assets, directing his paychecks into bank accounts held in the names of others, and using other individuals for business and personal expenses. In addition, Ngunjiri did not file federal income tax returns from 2012 through 2017 despite making income in excess of the minimum filing requirements.
The charge of tax evasion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $100,000. The charge of failure to file tax returns provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a fine of $25,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
