Did alleged sham hiring by SCOTUSblog founder Goldstein constitute tax evasion? Judge will decide

"Goldstein is a former U.S. Supreme Court litigator and a high-stakes poker player. He is accused of hiding millions of dollars in income and cryptocurrency transactions on tax returns. He is also accused of using his boutique firm, Goldstein & Russell, to help cover his debts and of making false statements to mortgage lenders. He is charged with tax evasion, aiding and assisting the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns, willful failure to pay taxes, and making false statements on mortgage loan applications."

"During the hearing, lawyers for Goldstein argued that he can't be charged with five counts of willful failure to pay taxes because he paid all the money that he owed, along with penalties and interest after agreeing to a payment plan, according to Law360. But Griggsby said the law is clear that taxpayers can be charged for failing to pay taxes, even when the amount due is eventually settled. And a jury must decide whether failure to pay taxes is willful, she said."

U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby denied six pretrial motions by indicted SCOTUSblog co-founder Tom Goldstein and barred him from selling his home to pay defense attorneys. She did not immediately rule on Goldstein's motion to dismiss tax evasion charges tied to four women alleged to have performed little or no work. The government alleges payments to those women, with whom Goldstein pursued romantic relationships, were distributions to Goldstein subject to tax. Goldstein faces charges including tax evasion, aiding and assisting false tax returns, willful failure to pay taxes, and making false statements on mortgage applications. Griggsby said willfulness must be decided by a jury.

Read at ABA Journal