Background
A well-known actor who has appeared in some popular movies, including New Jack City, Jungle Fever, Demolition Man, Rising Sun, Blade, Blade II, and Blade: Trinity.
Theories Advocated/Promoted
Allegedly filed refund claims, and failed to file tax returns (despite an annual income in the millions) in reliance of the section 861 argument.
Books, Web Sites, Videos, and Organizations
None known to be created or supported by Snipes for the purpose of promoting any tax theories.
Court Actions
Snipes was indicted on 4/5/2006 on eight criminal counts, including willful failure to file tax returns, filing false claims against the United States, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The jury found him not guilty of the false claims and conspiracy charges and three of the six counts of willful failure to file tax returns, but guilty of three counts of willful failure to file. United State v. Wesley Trent Snipes et al., No. 5:06-cr-00022-WTH-GRJ-1 (U.S.D.C. M.D. Fl. 2/1/2008). On 4/24/2008, Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison, the maximum sentence.
On July 16, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed Snipes' convictions and his three year sentence. United States v. Wesley Trent Snipes, July 16, 2010, case no. 08-12402, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. At the conclusion of its decision, the Court of Appeals stated: "Although Snipes argues that there were mitigating factors that the judge did not specifically mention at sentencing, these facts — his college education, his family, and his charitable activities — do not compel the conclusion that the sentence crafted in accordance with the 18 U.S.C. [section] 3553(a) factors was substantively unreasonable. The district court acted well within its considerable discretion in sentencing Snipes to thirty-six months in prison." Snipes filed a petition with the Supreme Court to review the 11th Circuit decision, but the petition was denied, making the conviction final. U.S. Supreme Court No. 10-1075 (6/6/2011).
Snipes filed a motion for a new trial, based on after-discovered evidence of what was alleged to prejudice and misconduct by a juror, but the motion was denied and the denial was affirmed on appeal. The district court's denial of a motion for a new trial was denied on appeal. United States v. Wesley Trent Snipes, No. 10-15573 (10th Cir. 9/6/2011), affirming No. 5:06-cr-00022-WTH-KRS-1 (M.D. Fla.).
Snipes began serving his prison sentence on December 9, 2010, as prisoner #43355-018. He was officially released from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on July 19, 2013.
Students/Disciples/Associates
Allegedly relied on the advice of Eddie Kahn and Douglas Rosile, both of whom are co-defendants in the criminal trial described above, and both of whom were convicted of the felonies of false claims and conspiracy for which Snipes was acquitted.
Other Resources
See The Snipes Trial website for additional information.
