Jan. 23, 2008 — A Florida couple charged with tax evasion after generating more than $7.5 million selling prepaid phone cards in the territory was sentenced to prison Wednesday "for structuring postal money orders to avoid currency-reporting requirements," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Donald James Helms Jr., 54, and Carolyn Saunders Helms, 41, were sentenced in District Court on St. Thomas to 51 months and 12 months in prison, respectively, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Jenkins.
The Helms were charged in a scheme in which they purchased money orders at various post offices throughout the Virgin Islands over a three-year period. The purchases were in small amounts that would not trigger a legally mandated reporting mechanism. (See "Couple Charged With Tax Evasion on $7.5 Million.")
In addition to prison terms, Donald Helms was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and Carolyn Helms was sentenced to two years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 each. In addition, they were ordered to forfeit to the U.S. government $10,000 in U.S. currency; a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche; and $42,432 in U.S. currency representing proceeds from the sale of real property in Rockledge, Fla., according to the news release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Chisholm prosecuted the case.
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