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Law
Accountants sued over tax scheme for Chumash


Two accountants face civil charges over an alleged tax fraud scheme involving 32 members of the wealthy Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

The Department of Justice said Kenneth Sorenson and Stephen Drake set up a scheme that allowed the tribal members to skirt federal taxes on their per capita gaming revenues. The accountants received $2 million for the efforts, federal prosecutors said.

According to court documents, the 152 members of the tribe have received $428,969 in per cap payments. The tribe, however, did not participate in the tax scheme or approve it.

Criminal charges have not been filed. Sorenson told The Los Angeles Times the allegations were false.

Get the Story:
Feds Sue 2 of Chumash Tribe's Accountants Over Alleged Tax Scam (The Los Angeles Times 8/4)
pwday

Relevant Links:
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians - http://www.santaynezchumash.org

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