BUFFALO, New York, January 17th — The US Attorney for the Western District from new York, Trini E Rossissued the following press release:
US Lawyer Trini E Ross announced this today Michael McPherson56, from Kenmore, New Yorkpleaded guilty before the US District Judge Richard J Arcara to letter fraud and tax evasion. The indictment carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
assistant US Lawyer Charles M Krulywho is handling the case said in January 2017MacPherson asked a person from Kansas Invest in a large cigarette store and tell the person they have made an arrangement with a Native American tribe The State of New York Buying cigarettes at a discounted price and reselling them at a significant premium. MacPherson claimed that in exchange for a $75,000 Investing, the individual would get a 15-20% return within 90-120 days. The person mailed a check payable to MacPherson Paget Trust, LLC, the company through which MacPherson primarily conducted its business. However, MacPherson did not buy cigarettes, but instead spent the money making payments to the Niagara Falls Country Club and Canisius GymnasiumFlights, hotels, rental cars, utilities, retail shopping, gas, clothing, groceries, restaurants and other merchants.
In December 2017MacPherson contacted the individual again to: a $20,000 Investment to buy carbon fiber which means the individual would receive their main investment in addition to a 30% return within 180 days. The person mailed a check for MacPherson $20,000payable once more Paget Trust, LLC. Once again, MacPherson did not use the money as stated, but instead used it to pay for a defaulted business loan, cash withdrawals, flights, rental cars, utilities, retail purchases, gas, groceries, restaurants, hockey tickets and other merchants.
In addition, between 2015 and April 15, 2019MacPherson attempted to evade income taxes for calendar years 2015 and 2017. For the 2015 tax year, he failed to file a federal income tax return, even though he received gross income totaling approximately $265,254including about $232,500 by a second person. Once again, MacPherson used the money for personal expenses. For the 2017 tax year, MacPherson omitted about $80,156 in gross business income. The amount of tax loss too The United States is $93,815.00.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the US Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of the inspector in charge Ketty Larco-Wardand the Tax officeCriminal Investigation Division, headed by the Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso.
Sentencing is scheduled May 25, 2023Before Judge Arcara.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/kenmore-man-pleads-guilty-mail-fraud-and-tax-evasion
