Powder Springs Doctor Sentenced To Jail In $2 Million Tax Fraud | Smyrna, GA Patch

A Powder Springs doctor has been sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of funneling millions of dollars in assets through a church he created to evade filing federal taxes. Dr. Michael Jon Kell, 68, was sentenced one year, six months in prison on Tuesday. He was also ordered to pay $321,878.40 in restitution to the IRS.

According to prosecutors, Kell developed numerous patented technologies and worked as a consultant, which generated millions of dollars in income over the years. To hide this income, he founded and was the "pastor" of the First Meliorite Church, which he claimed to be a branch of the Universal Life Church.

"Despite earning millions of dollars and living a lavish lifestyle, Dr. Kell failed to file tax returns for several years when he falsely asserted that he was a minister under a vow of poverty," said U.S. Attorney Byung J. "BJay" Pak.

Powder Springs Doctor Sentenced To Jail In $2 Million Tax Fraud | Smyrna, GA Patch