Armstrong was acquitted of tax evasion and conspiracy charges, however. He argued unsuccessfully that he had been duped by his accountant, who pleaded guilty to fraud and testified for the prosecution.
Armstrong reaped a $321,000 windfall from an investment made in cigarette tax stamps. The income was apparently not reported on his income tax forms.
Armstrong's attorney pointed out that his client was acquitted "on two of the most serious felony counts, although he was convicted of a lesser, more technical violation of filing a false return."
A Knoxville newspaper noted that the long-time legislator faces up to three years in prison for the conviction, though it is expected that his sentence will be lower.
The jury found that Armstrong did not conspire with his accountant to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. The accountant, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the tax agency and admitted to participating in unrelated tax evasion schemes, as well as stealing from clients.
As a result of his conviction, Armstrong will have to leave the legislature he has served for so long.
Those who face similarly serious accusations can fight to protect their rights and interests with the assistance of the tax attorneys of Robert J. Fedor, Esq., L.L.C. Whether you need criminal tax attorneys in Chicago, Cleveland or anywhere else in the world, we can help.