After years of delays, the federal tax evasion case against Smethport’s Brian Gustafson is moving forward.
According to U.S. Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, Gustafson filed several motions in October to dismiss certain counts of the indictment among other things.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Trabold has until Jan. 13 to respond, and the defense’s replies to that are due by Jan. 27.
Gustafson is accused of trying to hide personal and corporate bank accounts from the IRS, including closing a bank account known to the IRS and opening a new, non-disclosed account, then lying to agents when confronted about it.
If convicted, Gustafson could face 11 years in prison and a fine of $750,000.