Pastor sent to prison for failing to pay taxes on lavish lifestyle. | Raleigh News & Observer

On Tuesday, Coontz was sentenced to five years in prison following his April conviction for tax fraud and evasion, shorthand for what federal prosecutors say were years of Coontz’ efforts to hide some $1.7 million of income and assets from the government.

According to court documents in the case, Coontz, while living in Charlotte, tucked away many of the more visible trappings of his opulent lifestyle — from expensive real estate and jewelry to a boat and a fleet of sports cars — under the misleading umbrella of business expenses.

Coontz also diverted tens of thousands of dollars in business reimbursements to his personal use, documents say.

His write-offs included more than $227,000 on clothes, another $140,000 on meals and entertainment expenses, including 400 separate charges at movie theaters. Rather than pay himself a salary, Coontz ignored his accountants’ advice and took his living expenses out of his business accounts, including Cootz’ Rockwealth Ministries.

Pastor sent to prison for failing to pay taxes on lavish lifestyle. | Raleigh News & Observer

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

Worcester pastor sentenced to probation in phony tax returns case | masslive.com

 The pastor of a local church was sentenced to two years of probation after a jury found her guilty earlier of preparing false tax returns at her daughter's city business.

Nydia Elicier, 56, of Worcester was found guilty by a jury last year on three counts of preparing false tax returns. A federal judge sentenced her to probation Monday in U.S. District Court. She will have a curfew for the first three months and must also perform 100 hours of community service.

Worcester pastor sentenced to probation in phony tax returns case | masslive.com

Woman accused of filing fake $94 million tax return | www.ajc.com

Not sure whether this is a tax protest, a sovereign or just a stupid greedy person. Seriously, she tried to claim a $94M tax refund then believes she can cash that check in a bank branch in a supermarket. Wondering where do people with these warped perceptions of money and reality come from?

A woman accused of filing a phony state tax return for $94 million was arrested when she attempted to claim her check at a Cobb County bank, Channel 2 Action News reported.

Brigitte Jackson was arrested and charged with attempted theft by taking and conspiracy to defraud the state, according to an investigator with the Georgia Department of Revenue.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s $94 or $94 million,” Special Investigations Chief Josh Waites told Channel 2. “We’re going to go after you and hold you accountable.”

Waites said investigators asked Jackson to come to a grocery store bank counter to pick up her $94 million refund check, and when she did, she was arrested.

Jackson’s cousin, Darrius White, also allegedly reported $99 million in income, tried to claim a large refund and has also been charged, Waites said. White was not in custody Friday evening.

Woman accused of filing fake $94 million tax return | www.ajc.com