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Date: 04-01-2022
Case Style:
Case Number: 3:21-cr-00213-SALM
Judge: Sarah A.L. Merriam
Court: United States District Court for the District of Connecticut (New Haven County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office
Description: New Haven, Connecticut criminal defense lawyer represented defendant charged with tax evasion and failure to pay over taxes.
Matthew Blackwell, age 44, from Woodbridge, was the Vice President of Operations at a family-owned food company based in 0Orange. Between approximately 2012 and 2016, Blackwell embezzled $927,143 from the company by creating false purchase orders and invoices that he presented to the company controller, who had no knowledge of their fraudulent nature. The company issued payment checks that Blackwell deposited in a business checking account that he had opened and controlled. Blackwell then transferred these funds to his personal bank accounts.
Blackwell filed federal income tax returns that omitted the embezzled income for the 2012 through 2016 tax years, resulting in a tax loss of $285,361 to the IRS. Blackwell has paid his back taxes, but he still owes interest and penalties.
On December 9, 2021, Blackwell pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.
Blackwell, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison on May 5.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen.
ATTEMPT TO EVADE OR DEFEAT TAX (Tax Evasion)
(1)
Outcome: 04/01/2022 36 Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam: granting 34 Oral Motion for self-surrender as to Matthew V. Blackwell (1); granting 35 Oral Motion for Acceptance of Responsibility as to Matthew V. Blackwell (1); Sentencing as to Matthew V. Blackwell held on 4/1/2022; Motion Hearing as to Matthew V. Blackwell held on 4/1/2022 re 34 ORAL MOTION for self-surrender filed by Matthew V. Blackwell, 35 ORAL MOTION for Acceptance of Responsibility filed by USA. 46 minutes(Court Reporter Cassie Zayas.) (Caffrey, A.) (Entered: 04/01/2022)
Defendant was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, was fined $10,00 and was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service while on supervised release.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: