Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Former Florida Mayor and Wife Charged with Tax Evasion
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: May 30, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Julio Robaina, former mayor of Hialeah, Florida mayor, and his wife, Raiza Villacis Robaina, were recently charged with tax evasion in a Miami federal court, and are expected to turn themselves into the authorities to await further proceedings.
The couple was charged with fraud, conspiracy, lying to federal agents, and falsifying documents. Additionally, they were accused of receiving unreported interest payments in cash on more than $1 million in personal loans they made to friends and business associates, according to CBS Miami. One of these associates included Ponzi scheme con artist Luis Felipe Perez, whose investigation and subsequent conviction prompted investigators to look into the financial dealings of the Robainas.
During the 2011 investigation, Robaina repeatedly asserted his innocence and declared he was not under investigation because he had received no formal notice. Robaina argued that he was a victim of Perez, who conned individuals into investing in non-existent pawn shops and jewelry stores in New York and Miami, CBS Miami reported.
“We were investing in his business, which he bought and sold precious gems, or at least that’s what he represented to us,” Robaina told the news station. “We were victims of a friend who took advantage of us, but we are not under investigation.”
After examining bank and financial statements, authorities discovered the discrepancies relating to unreported interest payments. Under federal tax law, individuals are responsible for reporting any interest payments on loan, which may be considered taxable income.
“The tax system is built on the premise that taxpayers file accurate tax returns,” said Michael DePalma, the head IRS investigator in Miami, according to The Associated Press. “No one is above the law and those who willfully violate our nation’s tax laws will be held accountable for their actions.”
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand
Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them
The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]
Author: Paul Grossman
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan
Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]
Author: George McGowan
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips
Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation
The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
How to Protect Your New Jersey Business When Going through a Divorce
The most effective ways to protect your business in a divorce are put in place before one begins: a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, clean separation of business and personal finances, and divorce contingencies built into your operating or buy-sell agreements. If divorce is already underway, the priorities shift to establishing how the business is classified […]
Author: Jay McDaniel
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.