June 23, 2010
TAX PROTESTER WHO ATTEMPTED TO ISSUE ARREST WARRANT FOR FEDERAL JUDGE FOUND GUILTY OF FAILING TO FILE TAX RETURNS
DENVER – Darrell Stoffels, age 59, of Larkspur, Colorado, was found guilty yesterday by a jury on three counts of failing to file tax returns, U.S. Attorney David Gaouette and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Sigerson announced. Stoffels was found guilty following a two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Christine M. Arguello. The jury deliberated for 15 minutes before returning the guilty verdict. Stoffels, a tax protester, issued his own “bench warrant” for Judge Arguello the Friday before the jury trial, according to publicly filed court documents. He remains free on bond and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Arguello on September 29, 2010.
Darrell Stoffels was charged by an Information in Denver on March 17, 2010. The government filed a Superseding Information on May 12, 2010. His trial began on June 21, 2010, and concluded yesterday, June 22, 2010.
According to the Information as well as evidence presented at the trial, during the calendar years 2003, 2004, and 2005 defendant Darrell Stoffels, who was a resident of Colorado, had and received gross income of approximately $241,585 for the above stated years. Stoffels failed to file income tax returns with the IRS for those years stating specifically the items of his gross income and any deductions and credits to which he was entitled. Stoffels was required by law to file income tax returns with the IRS, following the close of each calendar year on or before April 15 of the following year.
Specifically, during the calendar year 2003, Stoffels had and received gross income of approximately $72,072. Well knowing and believing all of the foregoing, Stoffels did willfully fail to file, on or about April 15, 2004, in the District of Colorado and elsewhere, an income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service.
During the calendar year 2004, Stoffels had and received gross income of approximately $83,282. Well knowing and believing Stoffels did willfully fail to file, on or about April 15, 2005, in the District of Colorado and elsewhere, an income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service.
During the calendar year 2005, Stoffels had and received gross income of approximately $86,231. Well knowing and believing Stoffels did willfully fail to file, on or about April 17, 2006, in the District of Colorado and elsewhere, an income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service.
Failure to file income tax returns carries a penalty of not more than 1 year imprisonment, and a fine of up to $25,000 per count.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Pegeen Rhyne and Tonya Andrews.
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