Taos County Businessman Arraigned on Federal Tax Charges

ALBUQUERQUE – Robert Baños, 45, of Red River, N.M., was arraigned today on a five-count indictment alleging federal tax charges, announced U.S. Attorney Damon P. Martinez and Ismael Nevarez Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Office of IRS Criminal Investigation. 

Baños is the owner of the Old Tymer’s Café and Bighorn Sports and Rental, both of which are located in Red River in Taos County, N.M.  The indictment, which was filed on April 12, 2016, charges Baños with five counts of filing false tax returns.  Baños made his initial appearance this morning in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M.  During the proceedings, Baños entered a not guilty plea and was released on conditions of release pending trial.

The indictment charges Baños with violating the federal tax laws during five tax years, 2009 through 2013, by filing tax returns that failed to report his true income.  The indictment alleges that during each of those tax years, Baños falsely reported that he had a negative income in the individual income tax returns he filed with the IRS.

If convicted, Baños faces a statutory maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.  Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless found guilty in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reeve L. Swainston.