Ellington Man Admits Filing False Tax Returns

An Ellington man pleaded guilty Thursday to filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney David B. Fein announced Thursday.

Roland Violette, Jr., 45, of Ellington, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of making and subscribing a false tax return. 

The charge stems from Violette’s failure to pay more than $96,528 in federal income taxes in the 2003 and 2004 tax years. According to court documents and statements made in court, Violette withheld substantial amounts of business receipts for his two businesses, Ellington Oil Company, LLC, and Violette Mechanical, LLC, from his tax preparer.

In April 2004, Violette filed a 2003 joint income tax return in which he reported a tax liability of $6,701 based on taxable income $31,954, when he knew that the correct tax liability was $45,694 based on taxable income of $157,424. For the 2004 tax year, Violette’s tax return reported a tax liability of $9,664 based on taxable income of $46,352, when Violette knew that the correct tax liability was $68,042 based on taxable income of $223,583.       

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2012, at which time Violette faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to $250,000. To date, Violette has paid approximately $228,645 in back taxes, interest and penalties.       

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Harold H. Chen.