Wesley Snipes bizarre tax trial

Actor Wesley Snipes and codefendants Eddie Ray Kahn and Douglas Rosile are on trial in federal court in Ocala, Florida for tax evasion. 12/11/2007 - Wesley Snipes - © Chris Hatcher / PR Photos

12/11/2007 - Wesley Snipes - © Chris Hatcher / PR PhotosSnipes sent a bizarre document to the Internal Revenue Service declaring he was a "nonresident alien" of the United States, refuting his Social Security number and warning that continued prosecution could lead to professional consequences for federal employees.The Ocala Star-Banner reports that the IRS Frivolous Return Program senior technical advisor Shauna Henline read excerpts of the document into the record during Snipes' tax evasion trial on Thursday at prosecutors' direction.In the 600-page declaration signed by Snipes and sent Dec. 4, 2006, Snipes said he had "no ill intent or malice" and didn't want to evade any lawful requirement to pay taxes. But he went on to say the government had "no lawful authority to impose any kind of criminal sanctions."According to the trial transcripts, Snipes claimed he had no taxable U.S. income, making the IRS Form 1040 "absolutely the wrong form for me to file." He also claimed taxes withheld were "stolen funds."He chastised the IRS and prosecutors saying their position toward him was "simply false, fraudulent and misrepresenting."The document also warned the government's "illegal collection action" would result in "significant personal liability" for those involved."Warning - pursuit of such a high profile target will open the door for your increased collateral risk," Snipes wrote. "I certainly don't believe this is in your best interest and can be avoided."Snipes also is charged with six counts of willfully failing to file federal income tax returns.

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JDowneyJan 25th, 2008 - 03:46:24

Everyone can speculate on what they think is right or wrong but next week will be a doozy of a trial! Evidence that will be the bomb to blow this whole case wide open. The referenced ex-employee of Mr. Snipes certainly didn't lay it all on the line. Love the grapevine! WOW! From what I hear, no one is going to want to miss this courtroom drama unfold! Not even the naysayers! The truth will soon come out... I, for one, can't wait to read all about it. Keep an open mind... the press is only giving us the negative side of this trial.

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Mike bJan 29th, 2008 - 01:53:00

This guy is a fruitcake who thinks he is above the law and he feels that since he is rich he is above the law.

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WatchmenJan 29th, 2008 - 04:13:34

@ Mike

you are the fruitcake!

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Wesley Snipes bizarre tax trial

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