False Tax Return Nets Attorney 12 Months Jail Time

District Judge Maurice Hicks Jr. sentenced 59 year old Richard Z. Johnson of Mansfield to 12 months and one day in prison for filing a false tax return. In addition Johnson was ordered to pay $275,000 in restituion. For 2011 Johnson reported total income of $126,197 but willingly failed to report another $78,717.

US Attorney Stephanie Finley said,

The filing and timely payment of income tax returns is an obligation all Americans should take seriously.

Special agent Jerome McDuffie said,

Mr. Johnson is an attorney and was well aware of these requirements...Today's sentence is a reminder that no one is above the law.