Defendants’ Evidentiary and Sentencing Challenges to Tax-Related Convictions Were Without Merit (6th Cir.)

Appeal by Defendants, a local councilman and his executive assistant, alleging evidentiary and sentencing errors for tax-related convictions were without merit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit held, affirming the district court’s decision. Among other convictions, Defendants were convicted of filing false tax returns, failing to report income, and fraudulently claiming false tax deductions. With respect to Defendant-councilman, the appellate court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion or err (beyond a harmless error) in allowing and excluding certain evidence in the case. In addition, the district court properly applied sentencing enhancements against Defendant-councilman. ...