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Dealing with finances is a talent that many people in Missouri have. However, others may struggle, especially when they are placed in charge of someone else’s money. In fact, a woman in another state who was named as someone’s financial caretaker recently pleaded guilty to tax evasion.
In 2011, Adult Protective Services reportedly asked the 65-year-old woman to serve as the financial caretaker for a woman who was unable to care for herself. The woman reportedly agreed to do so without receiving any financial compensation for herself. As a result, APS named the woman as power of attorney.
However, federal law enforcement officials claim that the caretaker cashed several cashier’s check that were owned by the individual for whom she was caring. Law enforcement officials believe that the woman deposited approximately $10,800 in the owner’s account, but she kept $14,000 for herself. The woman is also accused of similar action with savings bond. The bank reportedly notified local law enforcement officials and APS when it noticed “suspicious activity.”
Federal prosecutors claim that the woman failed to report income in excess of $140,000, which allegedly resulted in a tax loss of over $48,000. She recently pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges and was released pending sentencing in May; she could spend up to five years in prison. When facing accusations such as this, many people in Missouri are unsure of their options. In some cases, defendants may choose to plead guilty because they recognize that there is sufficient evidence for a conviction. An attorney with experience with such cases can help those facing such charges fully understand their options and the potential outcomes of each.