Attorney General Aaron Frey announced the successful prosecution of Cary Harper, a 50-year-old resident of Ellsworth, for failing to file Maine income tax returns from 2013 to 2016. Harper has been sentenced to 60 days in jail.
In 2022, Harper admitted guilt and agreed to a two-year deferred disposition agreement. Under this agreement, he was required to pay $14,915 in restitution to Maine Revenue Services, file his tax returns, and fulfill his future tax obligations. However, during this period, Harper did not make restitution payments or pay his taxes for the year 2022.
Additionally, it was noted that Harper had not filed taxes for several years before 2013. As a result of these actions, the Hancock County Unified Criminal Court sentenced him to 364 days with all but 60 days suspended and imposed one year of administrative release.
"The hardworking taxpayers of this State rightfully expect their fellow Mainers to chip in and pay their share," said Attorney General Frey. "My Office will not hesitate to prosecute willful disregard for this basic societal obligation."
The case was investigated by the Criminal Investigations Unit of Maine Revenue Services and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth T. Weyl for the Criminal Division of the Office of the Maine Attorney General.