Southampton Man Gets Prison For Tax Evasion

SOUTHAMPTON, PA — A Southampton man has been sentenced to prison for income-tax evasion.

Duane Wilson, 66, was sentenced Thursday to six months in prison, followed by six months of home confinement. He also was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $272,742 to the Internal Revenue Service.

Wilson had previously pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return.

Formerly employed by Valley Power in Willow Grove, Wilson embezzled more than $1 million from the company, federal officials say. He failed to report some of that money on his tax return, which is what got him in trouble with the IRS.

"No matter the source, all income is taxable," said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Guy Ficco. "There is no better time than tax season to remind the public that knowingly omitting income on a tax return is a felony — one that could result in jail time."

During sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Joshua D. Wolson referred to the case as a crime of greed. Wilson will begin serving his prison sentence on April 6.