High-Stakes Lawyer Indicted for Tax Evasion and Fraud
Tom Goldstein, a renowned Supreme Court lawyer and co-founder of the popular SCOTUSblog, has been indicted on federal tax evasion charges. The 54-year-old attorney, who has argued before the Supreme Court more times than nearly any other private practice lawyer, is accused of failing to declare millions of dollars in poker winnings and using firm money to pay his gambling debts.
A High-Roller’s Downfall
Goldstein’s alleged illegal activities date back to 2016, when he began diverting legal fees owed to his law firm to pay off his poker-related debts. He is also accused of understating his gambling winnings by over $3.9 million on his 2016 federal tax return and omitting more than $3.4 million in gambling income on his 2017 tax return.
Personal Debts and Intimate Relationships
The indictment alleges that Goldstein was involved in or pursued intimate relationships with at least a dozen women, paying travel and other expenses for many of them while owing substantial amounts of money to the Internal Revenue Service. Four of these women were allegedly hired by his law firm, Goldstein & Russell, and paid with health benefits while performing little or no work for the firm.
False Mortgage Applications
Goldstein is also accused of submitting false mortgage applications to two separate mortgage lending companies, seeking financing to purchase a $2.6 million home in Washington, D.C. in 2021. He allegedly omitted millions of dollars of liabilities, including over $14 million he owed on two promissory notes, as well as taxes he owed to the IRS.
Consequences of Deception
Goldstein’s alleged false statements to one of the mortgage lenders resulted in his obtaining a $1.98 million loan. The indictment charges him with 22 counts of tax evasion, making false statements, and fraud. If convicted, Goldstein faces significant fines and imprisonment.
A Reputation in Tatters
Goldstein’s indictment has sent shockwaves through the legal community. His reputation as a respected Supreme Court lawyer and advocate for justice has been tarnished by allegations of deceit and fraud. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact his future in the legal profession.
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