Indian River County Man Sentenced for Filing a False Tax Return

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Daniel W. Auer, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Criminal Investigation Division; and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, announce the sentencing of defendant William Chris Blane, Jr., 57, of Vero Beach, Florida, on tax charges. At today's hearing, U.S. District Court Judge José E. Martinez sentenced Blane to 16 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. On August 4, 2010, Blane pled guilty to filing a false individual income tax return for tax year 2006, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, Blane paid restitution to the IRS of more than $1 million.

According to court documents, from 2004 to 2007, defendant Blane owned stock and engaged in various transactions in three separate companies, Eyewonder, Inc., Eyevest LLC, and Poly-Triplex, Inc. During that time, Blane solicited and was solicited by individuals to invest in Eyewonder, and to purchase Poly-Triplex subscription agreements and stock. Approximately 41 individuals bought stock directly from Blane. Blane deposited money earned from the sales of this stock into his personal bank account, but failed to report the income on his tax returns for tax years 2004-2007. As a result, defendant Blane owed substantial taxes to the IRS. As part of his plea agreement, Blane paid the IRS the outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Millien.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.