Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Parkersburg, West Virginia man entered a guilty plea to Willful Failure to Pay a Tax Return, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jeffrey Scott Dowler, 54, faces up to a year of incarceration, a $100,000 fine and an order of restitution to the United States Treasury for at least $20,818 when he is sentenced on June 5, 2019.  Dowler further agrees to work with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to assist in the recovery of assets.  Stuart praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Department of Justice Tax Division.

Dowler owned an insurance appraisal business from 2009 to 2014.  During those years, he made sufficient income where he had the ability to pay taxes.  In 2013, Dowler willfully did not pay at least $20,818 in personal income tax that he knew was due and owing to the United States Treasury.  Dowler had the financial ability to pay this tax at that time and chose not to do so.  He also failed to pay business and payroll taxes associated with his insurance appraisal business.  Dowler agrees he owes at least $20,818 in taxes and possibly more.   His total tax liability will be determined by the Court at sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case. The hearing was conducted before United States Magistrate Judge Dwane L. Tinsley.

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