Controller Pleads Guilty To Filing False Tax Return

DENVER – Stuart M. Jameson, of Colorado Springs, Colorado pled guilty earlier in the month before U.S. District Court Judge Raymond P. Moore to filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Jason R. Dunn, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Steven Osborne, and FBI Denver Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Janeen Diguiseppi.  Jameson was charged by information on August 30, 2018, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Moore on January 7, 2019.

According to facts contained in the information and plea agreement, Jameson worked as the Controller at Faricy Ford/Lincoln car dealership between 2006 through mid-November 2017.  As part of his duties as controller, Jameson was in charge of the dealership’s payroll.  During most pay periods from 2006 through November 2017, Jameson paid himself an amount greater than he was entitled. 

When the dealership detected the overpayments, it was determined that Jameson embezzled approximately $400,000 between 2006 and 2017.  An outside audit determined the dealership was short $419,751.  Additionally, Jameson did not report this additional income on his federal income tax returns. 

As part of his plea agreement, Jameson agrees to pay restitution of $419,751 to Faricy Ford/Lincoln car dealership.  Jameson also agrees to pay restitution to the IRS of $53,669. 

Willfully filing a false federal income tax return carries a penalty of not more than 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the FBI. 

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Weber.