Nebraska TPs plead guilty

[Demosthenes]

Leigh couple guilty of tax evasion

By Jim Osborn/josborn@columbustelegram.com

OMAHA - A Leigh couple has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to evading federal taxes in a case involving more than $64,000 during a four-year period ending in 2002.

Andrew J. Olmer, 44, and Susan E. Olmer, 42, each pleaded guilty to one count of income tax evasion in a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

District Judge Laurie Smith-Camp set sentencing for June 4.

The Olmers were each indicted on four counts of tax evasion in early 2006 on a combined income of more than $327,333 from 1999-2002.

The couple agreed for sentencing purposes that they also failed to file income tax returns for the other three years covered by the indictment.

“This should serve as a reminder that individuals have an obligation to comply with the income tax laws and are required to file accurate and truthful income tax returns,” said James D. Vickery, special agent in charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.

Andrew Olmer could be sentenced to a maximum of five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Susan Olmer could be sentenced to a maximum of one year in prison and a fine of $100,000.

Andrew Olmer's income during the period was listed as $188,370, while Susan Olmer's income during the span was $138,966, according to the original indictment.

The indictment said the Olmers' federal tax bill during the period was $64,067. Andrew Olmer owed $38,197 and Susan Olmer $25,870 for the four years.

The indictment charged the Olmers with failing to file “proper” income tax returns during the period by falsely stating that their income was exempt from federal taxes on signed Internal Revenue Service withholding forms (Form W-4) furnished to their employer(s).

In one count, Andrew Olmer was also charged with filing a return document falsely stating he had no taxable income and requesting a refund of the taxes withheld and paid on a taxable distribution from his pension.

The indictment listed Andrew Olmer's taxable income during the four years as: $48,668, 1999; $44,053, 2000; $39,685, 2001; and $55,964, 2002. Susan Olmer's income was listed as: $26,781, 1999; $29,576, 2000; $28,777, 2001; and $53,832, 2002.