Congressman Tierney's wife gets 30 days in jail for tax fraud

[cali]

By Stephanie Ebbert, Globe Staff

A federal judge today sentenced Patrice Tierney, the wife of Democratic US Representative John F. Tierney, to 30 days in jail for aiding and abetting the filing of false tax returns.

"There must be an actual sanction," US District Judge William G. Young said in imposing the sentence, noting the importance of protecting the tax system, which depends on citizens' voluntary compliance. Patrice Tierney must begin serving her sentence on Feb. 28.

Young also ordered Tierney to serve two years of supervised release, the first five months of which she will spend on house arrest.

Tierney pleaded guilty in October to four counts of aiding and abetting the filing of false returns for her brother, a federal fugitive who has been indicted on charges of illegal gambling and money laundering.

Tierney originally agreed to a plea deal offered by prosecutors that called for two years of probation with 90 days of home detention, plus a $2,500 fine and $400 in court costs.

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http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/01/patrice_tierney.html

[Abq_Sarah]

1. I wish

They'd drop that whole "voluntary" nonsense. If your alternatives are, do this or go to jail, it's not voluntary.