Duson man pleads guilty to not paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars in taxes

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Duson business owner pleaded guilty Wednesday to evading taxes for three years.

Larry J. Thibodeaux, 65, of Duson, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst to one count of attempting to evade and defeat payment of tax. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Thibodeaux, who at the time of the offense was the president and sole shareholder of Thib’s Trailers in Duson, underreported taxes on IRS forms from 2012 to 2014.  The corporate tax loss for the three years was $110,970, and the individual tax loss was $137,807 for a total loss to the U.S. Treasury of $248,777.

“The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our tax system,” Finley stated. “Honest taxpayers should not be expected to foot the bill for those that hide income from the IRS. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes.”

"The filing and timely payment of tax returns is an obligation that all Americans share,” said Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Jerome R. McDuffie. “Our agency will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively investigate allegations of tax crimes and prosecute those who fail to pay their fair share.  The guilty plea entered by Mr. Thibodeaux today is a reminder that citizens have the responsibility to file accurate returns and report all of their income.”

Thibodeaux faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of February 13, 2017 was set.

IRS Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.