A former San Diego man was apprehended and deported from Costa Rica to the United States after more than 21 years of avoiding conspiracy and tax evasion charges he received in 2000.
Robin J. McPherson was the President, Chief Operating Officer, and co-owner of Continental Wireless Cable Inc., a telemarketing company that sold more than $30 million in purported partnership interests in wireless cable systems before being shut down by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In December 2000, McPherson, along with two co-conspirators, was found guilty of evading taxes on profits the company earned, leading to a tax loss to the IRS of more than $1 million, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement.
According to the DOJ, McPherson chose to flee the county instead of appearing for a March 2001 sentencing hearing.
“This defendant dodged both his taxes and his sentencing hearing,'' U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said. “Thanks to the FBI and Costa Rican authorities, he'll now be held responsible for both.''
McPherson appeared in court earlier this week, and his long-delayed sentencing is set for a later date, according to officials. McPherson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each of the conspiracy and tax evasion counts. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties
“It is fitting that Robin McPherson was arrested and returned to the United States to be sentenced on his tax crime convictions,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. “While honest Americans are paying their fair share this filing season, they will be reminded that the department and IRS will ensure that those who have defrauded the IRSs are held fully accountable, no matter how long it takes.”
Prosecutors accuse McPherson of soliciting $1.2 million from investors for a fake Costa Rican real estate development opportiunity. McPherson allegedly used investor funds to pay for various personal expenses, including his own mortgage. He faces fraud and money laundering charges and will stand trial in Oregon Federal Court.
