Here’s another celebrity example of why not to mess with the IRS. Jeffrey Atkins, more commonly known as rapper “Ja Rule” pleaded guilty this week to three counts of failing to file tax returns with the IRS, according to the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. The report says that Ja Rule admitted he did not pay taxes for five years, according to US Attorney Paul J. Fishman.
Thirty-five-year-old Atkins is from Saddle River, New Jersey. According to paperwork and court documents, Atkins was the sole shareholder of ASJA Inc and Rule Tours Inc. He admitted to not paying taxes between 2004 and 2008 despite receiving music royalty income from ASJA Inc as well as performance-related money from Rule Tours Inc.
The news release says that Atkins pleaded guilty to charges relating to 2004, 2005, and 2006, but two addition years will be taken into account for sentencing. Officials say the total loss to the government was $1,137,912. Atkins says he will now file tax returns and pay all taxes as well as penalties. U.S. Attorney Fishman stated in the news release: “As part of his guilty plea, Atkins has promised to pay the government his outstanding debt of over one million dollars. Each of us must pay our fair share to keep this country moving. We will bring federal charges when necessary to ensure the government gets its due.”
His sentencing is scheduled for June 13, 2011. He could face as much as five years behind bars. “With this year’s April 18th tax deadline just around the corner, it is important for people to have confidence that when they pay their taxes, their neighbors and competitors will do the same. Nobody is above the law,” stated Victor W. Lessoff, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “Today’s guilty plea by Mr. Atkins again emphasizes that the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who would attempt to defraud America’s tax system.”
Tags: drug possession charges, two-year jail sentence, Saddle River New Jersey, Plea, weapons sentence
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