Judge Rodgers denies appeal from Hovind, wife on tax charges
Judge Rodgers denies appeal from Hovind, wife on tax charges
Pensacola News Journal - Apr 20, 2007
An appeal by Pensacola creationist Kent Hovind and his wife, Jo Hovind, seeking acquittal on tax-fraud charges was denied.
U.S. District Judge Casey Rodgers upheld the Hovinds' November 2006 conviction on 44 counts of bank-structuring -- the withdrawal of bank funds under the $10,000 threshold that triggers bank reports to the Internal Revenue Service.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that showed the couple routinely withdrew $9,500 and $9,600, from their bank.
In November, a jury found Kent Hovind guilty on 58 federal counts, including failure to pay $845,000 in employee-related taxes. In January, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Jo Hovind was convicted of 44 counts of evading bank-reporting requirements. Her sentencing was delayed pending the appeal and should soon be set.