Background
[Briefly describe educational/vocational/other history]
Theories Advocated/Promoted
Meredith relied mainly on the "pure trust" theory of tax evasion.
Books, Web Sites, Videos, and Organizations
Meredith was best known for her book, Vultures in Eagle's Clothing: Lawfully Breaking Free From Ignorance Related Slavery (1997). She also wrote a sequel, How to Cook a Vulture! (1999), and lead organizations called "Sovereignty Pure Trusts" and "We the People" (which was not related to the organizations created by Robert Schulz).
Court Actions
Meredith allegedly earned more than $6,000,000 selling books, tapes, and other tax materials, as well as seminar and appearance fees, before she was finally indicted for tax-related crimes. She was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States, four counts of mail fraud, two counts of using a false social security number, making a false statement in a passport application, and five counts of failing to file a tax return, and sentenced to more than 10 years (121 months) in prison. United States v. Lynne Meredith, No. CR 02-00372-DDP (U.S.D.C. S.D. Cal.).
Students/Disciples/Associates
Meredith was indicted (and convicted) with five other persons who worked with her: Gayle Bybee (convicted of conspiracy and three counts of failing to file a
tax return and sentenced to 60 months in prison), Gregory Paul Karl, a former CPA (convicted of conspiracy and four counts of mail fraud), Teresa Manharth Giordano (convicted of conspiracy, four counts of mail fraud, and two counts of failing to file a tax return, and sentenced to 40 months in prison), Willie Watts, also a former CPA (convicted of conspiracy, three counts of mail fraud, and three counts of failing to file a tax return, and sentenced to 36 months in prison), Betty Erickson (convicted of three counts of failing to file a tax return), and Nora Moore (convicted of three counts of failing to file a tax return). United States v. Lynne Meredith, No. CR 02-00372-DDP (U.S.D.C. S.D. Cal.).
One person who read Meredith's book and tried to practice her teachings was James Ellett, and as a result he was convicted of three counts of income tax evasion and sentenced to 18 months in prison. United States v. James Ellett, 2008 TNT 102-63, No. 07-3682 (2nd Cir. 5/23/2008).