PHOENIX – LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – Gary E. Hirth, 51, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was sentenced here today to 36 months probation and a $ 5,000 fine by U.S. District Judge Roger Strand. Hirth pleaded guilty on October 19, 2004 to one count of violating Title 26, U.S. Code Section 7206(2), Aiding and Abetting the Preparation of a False Tax Return. As part of his plea agreement with the United States, Hirth relinquished his CPA license in Arizona.
The indictment stated that Hirth conspired with Edward Lachowicz and that Hirth
provided accounting and tax preparation services for companies owned and /or controlled by Lachowicz. In his position as counselor, advisor and tax preparer for Lachowicz, Hirth was in a position to know the wage figures reported for Lachowicz. Hirth willfully aided and assisted in the preparation of U.S. Individual Income Tax returns Forms 1040 for Lachowicz for the calendar year 1997 which was false and fraudulent.
The investigation in this case was conducted by special agents of the Criminal
Investigation of the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
The prosecution was handled by Peter S. Sexton, Assistant United States Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
