Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.

August 13, 2009

MERCED TRUCKER SENTENCED TO A YEAR AND A DAY FOR TAX EVASION RELATED TO GRAIN THEFTS

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Lawrence G. Brown announced today that United States District Judge Ishii today sentenced MANUEL VILLEGAS-YBARRA, 66, of Merced to a year and a day in prison for tax evasion for failing to report as income money he earned on stolen grain. He was also ordered to pay $43,861 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the Turlock Police Department.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. McKeon, who prosecuted the case, VILLEGAS-YBARRA pleaded guilty to the charge on September 8, 2008 and admitted that he had been stealing truck-loads of grain from Turlock Commodities for the past several years.

At sentencing, Judge Ishii said that “The government relies on everyone paying taxes so essential government services continue. When you don’t pay your taxes, it is a problem for all of us.”

next...»

[ Back to top ]

CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

JOSEPH SHEMARIA

Menu

Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.