Driskell guilty of tax evasion

FAYETTEVILLE -- A Springdale woman pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to not paying taxes on $1.6 million.

Gini Driskell, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. Sentencing will come at a later date.

Driskell evaded her personal tax liabilities by scheming to conceal her income from the IRS. From 2002 through February 2011, Driskell was employed as a certified public accountant at the accounting firm Frost in Little Rock. On April 15, 2002, Driskell formed a legal entity with the title of "Gini L. Vannes, PA" and directed her compensation from Frost to be paid to the entity. This enabled Driskell to receive income without it being reported to the IRS.

Driskell received compensation totaling more than $1.6 million while employed with Frost. She did not report any of the income to the IRS on her tax returns.

"The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element of the IRS' enforcement strategy," said Tracey D. Montaño, IRS special agent in charge. "Schemes to conceal income and evade income tax, such as those utilized by Ms. Driskell, are unfair to every taxpayer who obeys the law and pays their fair share. Ms. Driskell's position as a CPA makes this an even more egregious violation of public trust."

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes prosecuted and U.S. District Judge Tim Brooks accepted the guilty plea.

NW News on 04/27/2017

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