Wesley Snipes Indicted On Tax Fraud, Released On $1 Million Bond
Posted December 8, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
When you’re bond is set at $1 million, there’s a good chance you’re in some legal hot water.
That’s what Wesley Snipes is likely learning in a hurry – the Hollywood actor surrendered to authorities and was released on a $1 million bond Friday.
Snipes faces federal tax fraud charges, and the actor, known for such films as “Blade” and “White Men Can’t Jump” didn’t speak at a court appearance in Ocala, Florida.
Snipes arrived in Orlando on a private jet Friday from Namibia, where he’s been filming “Gallow Walker.”
The 44-year-old was charged in October with fraudulently claiming refunds totaling nearly $12 million in 1996 and 1997 on income taxes already paid.
He was also charged with failure to file returns from 1999 through 2004.
Snipes is being allowed to return to Namibia to finish his film, but has until January 10 to return to his home in Marina del Rey, California.
At that point he will be required to surrender his U.S. passport and will be restricted to traveling in the continental United States.
A Feb. 22 status conference was scheduled, which Snipes is not required to attend.
According to the indictment, Snipes turned his taxes over to accountants with a history of filing false returns for 20 per cent of their clients’ refunds.
Snipes insists he’s a scapegoat, and is being unfairly targeted for something he could face up to 16 years in prison for.
“Gallow Walker,” a cowboy movie, will be completed next week and is scheduled for release next fall.
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