Political Consultant Sentenced on Tax Charges

PHILADELPHIA—Chester A. Fulton III, 54, of Narberth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to five months in prison, followed by five months of home confinement for filing a false tax return, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Fulton, who has been involved in local politics for more than 25 years, operated a political consulting business that purported to assist candidates with navigating the process of running for office. He charged fees of up to $50,000 for his services. For the years 2001 through 2007, Fulton earned more than $500,000 from his political consulting business, but reported virtually no net income from this business. Fulton caused a tax loss to the United States of approximately $70,000. He pled guilty on June 17, 2010.

In addition to the prison term, the Honorable Mary A. McLaughlin ordered Fulton to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000 and restitution in the amount $107,935. Fulton was ordered to report to prison on January 7, 2011.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard J. Zack and Louis D. Lappen.