Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Pflueger Cleared of Tax Fraud Charges

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: March 27, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

A U.S. District Court acquitted Jimmy Pflueger, an 87-year-old retired auto dealer, of four federal tax fraud charges.

Pflueger, who founded a string of dealerships, was charged with several tax law violations, including filing false tax returns, hiding roughly $15 million in offshore Swiss bank accounts, and failing to pay roughly $27.5 million in taxes for the sale of Hacienda Corporate Plaza in California, according to the Hawaii Reporter. However, Pflueger claimed that his signature was forged on several tax documents and that he was unaware of any fraudulent activity. His accountant, Dennis Duban, pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges, but also implicated the retired auto dealer in his testimony.

While Pflueger escaped criminal prosecution for his alleged tax fraud, the Internal Revenue Service is planning to bring a civil lawsuit against him for unpaid back taxes, fees and interest.

Despite the end of the trial, Pflueger is still facing several legal issues, including a $5 million balance he owes to the state of Hawaii in fines for polluting the Pilaa Bay, the news source reports. Further, Pflueger was convicted on 10 felony counts in 2006 for the 1,000-ton mudslide he caused in November 2001 through illegal grading and grubbing, the Hawaii Reporter adds. As a result, he also owes $4 million to victims in a civil settlement.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage? post image

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?

Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?"
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer post image

Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer

Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]

Author: Jesse M. Dimitro

Link to post with title - "Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer"
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC post image

Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC

Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Link to post with title - "Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC"
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses post image

Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses

Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses"
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained post image

What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained

What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]

Author: Ronald S. Bienstock

Link to post with title - "What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained"
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects post image

What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects

If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]

Author: Patrick T. Conlon

Link to post with title - "What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects"

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.

Pflueger Cleared of Tax Fraud Charges

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

A U.S. District Court acquitted Jimmy Pflueger, an 87-year-old retired auto dealer, of four federal tax fraud charges.

Pflueger, who founded a string of dealerships, was charged with several tax law violations, including filing false tax returns, hiding roughly $15 million in offshore Swiss bank accounts, and failing to pay roughly $27.5 million in taxes for the sale of Hacienda Corporate Plaza in California, according to the Hawaii Reporter. However, Pflueger claimed that his signature was forged on several tax documents and that he was unaware of any fraudulent activity. His accountant, Dennis Duban, pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges, but also implicated the retired auto dealer in his testimony.

While Pflueger escaped criminal prosecution for his alleged tax fraud, the Internal Revenue Service is planning to bring a civil lawsuit against him for unpaid back taxes, fees and interest.

Despite the end of the trial, Pflueger is still facing several legal issues, including a $5 million balance he owes to the state of Hawaii in fines for polluting the Pilaa Bay, the news source reports. Further, Pflueger was convicted on 10 felony counts in 2006 for the 1,000-ton mudslide he caused in November 2001 through illegal grading and grubbing, the Hawaii Reporter adds. As a result, he also owes $4 million to victims in a civil settlement.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!

Please select a category(s) below: