A Montana businessman pleaded guilty to tax fraud today.
According to court records, Thomas O’Connell owned and operated three plumbing businesses, Quality Plumbing and Heating, Orbit Plumbing and Heating, and Orbit PHC, based in Great Falls. From at least 2005 through 2016, O’Connell paid no labor taxes for several quarters, although he was required to ensure that those taxes were paid to the IRS. Instead, he directed payments to other creditors and to his own personal expenses. The total tax loss for the IRS from O’Connell’s behavior is more than $ 550,000.
O’Connell is due to be convicted on June 24, 2021 and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He is also facing a time of supervised release, restitution, and fines. A federal district judge determines each sentence based on U.S. sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.
Acting Assistant Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Department of Justice’s Taxation Department and acting US attorney Leif M. Johnson for Montana District announced the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial attorney Mark S. Determan of the Department of Justice’s Taxation Department and US assistant attorney Ryan G. Weldon of Montana District are pursuing the case.
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