TAX REBEL: STEPHEN BALDWIN ARRESTED FOR FAILURE TO FILE PERSONAL INCOME TAX RETURNS

PRESS RELEASE FROM ROCKLAND DA’S OFFICE

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe, joined by New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox, announced that Stephen Baldwin (DOB 05/16/66) of Upper Grandview, New York has been arrested and arraigned on one count of Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Tax Returns, a class “E” Felony.

According to the charges, the defendant failed to file New York State Personal Income Tax Returns for years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

In total, Baldwin’s alleged tax liability to the State of New York, including penalties and interests, is more than $350,000.

District Attorney Zugibe said, “At a time when Rockland County and New York State face severe fiscal shortfalls, we cannot afford to allow wealthy residents to break the law by cheating on their taxes. The defendant’s repetitive failure to file returns and pay taxes over a period of several years contributes to the sweeping cutbacks and closures in local government and in our schools. My Office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who cheat our tax system for their personal gain.”

Baldwin’s arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Rockland County Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Commissioner Mattox said, “I commend District Attorney Zugibe for his ongoing efforts to investigate and bring to justice those individuals who attempt to avoid paying taxes. It is rare and unfortunate for a personal income tax case to require such strong enforcement measures in order to ensure compliance with our tax laws, particularly in light of the fact that the vast majority of New Yorkers fulfill their filing requirements voluntarily. The Tax Department works diligently with taxpayers to address issues before they escalate, and we strongly encourage those that have difficulties meeting their obligations to contact us for assistance.”

The defendant was arraigned today in Nyack Justice Court before the Honorable Robert Knoebel and released on his own recognizance.

He is due to return to court on February 5, 2013.

Baldwin faces up to four years in state prison, if convicted

The New York State Tax Department offers programs such as the Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program to encourage delinquent taxpayers to become compliant without facing criminal prosecution or civil penalty.