Tax evaders' supporter pleads guilty to federal charges
Associated Press
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- A Vermont man changed his plea to guilty Tuesday for helping a New Hampshire couple who refused to pay their income taxes and holed up for months in their secluded home last year.
Robert Wolffe, 50, of Randolph, Vt., pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting Ed and Elaine Brown and conspiring to interfere with the government's efforts to arrest them. The three charges carry a combined maximum sentence of more than 53 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000.
Under a plea agreement, Wolffe did not have any charges reduced or receive promises of a sentence reduction. But his cooperation with prosecutors could be a factor in their ultimate sentencing recommendation.
Wolffe was one of four people charged with helping the Browns after they skipped out on their tax evasion trial, where they were convicted of plotting to evade taxes on nearly $2 million.
The Browns barricaded themselves in their home in Plainfield, N.H., and vowed to fight to the death. Nearly nine months later, they were arrested without any bloodshed.
The Browns, now in prison, maintained that the federal income tax is not legitimate.
Wolffe was accused of lending the Browns his car, staying at their house in his camper and videotaping federal marshals.
At Tuesday's hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Arnold Huftalen and defense attorney Paul Garrity told Judge George Singal that Wolffe waived his right to appeal his conviction, but maintained his right to appeal his sentencing. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Three other defendants -- Cirino "Reno" Gonzales of Alice, Texas; Daniel Riley of Cohoes, N.Y.; and Jason Gerhard of Brookhaven, N.Y. -- still face federal charges in the case.
In addition to aiding and abetting and conspiracy charges, the other three face charges for allegedly bringing weapons to the Browns at their home.
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