It was announced by the Justice Department that 60-year-old James R. Back was convicted in U.S. District Court in Anchorage on seven federal tax crimes on Thursday.

Back, an Alyeska Pipeline technician was found guilty by a eight-woman/four-man jury after a one hour deliberation that concluded a three-day trial. He  had gone to trial on charges that he filed false tax returns in 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as failed to file in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

Evidence in the trial showed that Back had earned over $125,000 annually, yet stated that from 2006-2008 that he had earned “0” on his returns. From 2009-2012, Back simply failed to file.

Evidence in court would show that Back had contributed over $140,000 to a retirement fund during the years in question as well as made investments worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. It was also found that Back bought property on the Kenai Peninsula as well as $400,000 worth of silver and gold bullion during the time in question.

Back had “ignored earlier warnings from his employer, his supervisor, the IRS, and a United States Tax Court judge that his arguments were frivolous,” the Justice Department said.

Chief United States District Court Judge Ralph Beistline called Back’s crimes “flagrant” and ordered Back held by U.S. Marshals until sentencing.

“Using schemes and tactics intended to willfully conceal income from the IRS isn’t tax planning; it’s criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Teri Alexander, IRS Criminal Investigation. “There is no secret formula that can eliminate a person’s tax obligations. This verdict reinforces our commitment to every American taxpayer that we will identify and prosecute those who use abusive scams designed to evade the payment of taxes.”

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