Financial planner guilty of tax evasion and making false statements in bankruptcy case

Charles E. Atwell was convicted by a jury in the District South Carolina on four counts of tax evasion and one count of making false statements in his bankruptcy petition.  Evidence at trial established that from 2000 through 2003, Atwell made more than $2 million in commissions by selling various financial products but did not file tax returns or pay income taxes during the years in question.  In March, 2003 Atwell also filed a bankruptcy petition in which he falsely understated his income by more than $750,000 in 2001 and by approximately $350,000 in 2002. Atwell was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release and a fine of $50,000.  He must also cooperate with the IRS concerning the assessment, filing and payment of back taxes.