Gulfport Doctor Found Guilty Of Felony Tax Evasion

Gulfport, Miss. – On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, following a week-long trial, Timothy Dale Jackson, 50, an orthopedic physician from Pass Christian, Mississippi, was found guilty on four counts of felony tax evasion and one count of obstruction of the due administration of the internal revenue laws, announced U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis and Special Agent in Charge Gabriel L. Grchan with IRS Criminal Investigation.

The evidence at trial showed that Dr. Jackson claimed he had taken a vow of poverty in 2003 with the “Church of Compassionate Service,” an entity located in Utah, claiming that he was therefore exempt from paying any income tax. The evidence proved that he made substantial income practicing medicine but had not filed a tax return or paid any income tax since 2003. It also showed that he used nominee accounts and other devices to conceal his income from the IRS through the “church,” but that in fact 90% of the income was returned to him.

Jackson will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden on December 18, 2014. The maximum penalty for tax evasion is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count. The maximum penalty for obstructing and impeding the due administration of the internal revenue laws is three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

“Most individuals file truthful tax returns and pay their fair share of taxes,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Davis. “The verdict in this case demonstrates that, regardless of one’s occupation or status in life, if you evade paying taxes, you face real consequences including criminal prosecution and a possible prison sentence.”

IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Gabriel L. Grchan stated: “Dr. Jackson's actions and intent to evade his income taxes was made clear through the government's presentation of the evidence, and the jury saw that. Anyone who thinks they can continually evade the assessment or payment of their income taxes, and get away with it, should be aware of this case.”

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ruth Morgan and Jay Golden.