LOCAL ATTORNEY PLEADS GUILTY TO FAILING TO FILE TAX RETURN

Jackson, Miss. -- Robert Harrison pled guilty on January 20, 2015 in U.S. District Court to one count of failing to file a tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and

Jerome R. McDuffie, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation.

Harrison will be sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge F. Keith Ball on April 2, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. in Jackson. He faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and a $25,000 fine.

During tax year 2007, Mr. Harrison was an attorney who received in excess of $200,000 in gross income. For 2007, the requirement to file a federal income tax return for Head of Household filing status was $11,250, which would have required him to file a tax return. However, the defendant failed to file a tax return for tax year 2007.

"As we approach tax filing season, it is important for people to have confidence that when they file their tax returns and pay their taxes, their neighbors and co-workers are doing the same," stated Acting Special Agent in Charge, Jerome R. McDuffie, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. "Robert Harrison willfully disregarded his legal requirement to file tax returns and will ultimately face the consequences of his actions. It is my hope that Americans who file accurate, honest, and timely returns will be further assured that the government will hold accountable those individuals who blatantly disregard the law."

In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Davis praised the efforts of special agents from the IRS – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Helen Wall and Mike Hurst are prosecuting the case.