San Antonio’s Gourmet Express Possibly Involved in Tax Fraud

Owners of the San Antonio frozen food business, Gourmet Express, were indicted for illegal business dealings and filing false tax returns. The U.S. attorney’s office indicted Robert Warren Scully and Kevin James Scully on nine different counts.

Gourmet Express is based in San Antonio, Texas where it packages and markets frozen skillet meals. The indictment outlines an alleged scheme where the Scullys used shell companies in Thailand to overstate the cost of shrimp that Gourmet Express purchased. It’s claimed that money was then siphoned off to assorted bank accounts and used for the personal expenses of the men and their wives. Additionally, it is alleged the two filed false personal tax returns in 2003-2006 and a false return on behalf of Gourmet Express in 2006. The U.S. attorney anticipates the total amount of claims to be in the multi-millions.

According to the IRS Criminal Investigations Division, the men each posted $50,000 bond, and pending arraignment will wear electronic monitoring devices. IRS Criminal Investigations is the only federal agency that has the ability to investigate criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code. The Division’s special agents are particularly trained to use forensic technology to recover financial data that may have been hidden by electronic means. The conviction rate for the division is one of the highest in federal law enforcement.

If you and your business are facing charges of tax fraud it is crucial you consult with an Austin tax lawyer experienced in complex tax matters. The government must prove that you intentionally concealed income or took false deductions; a knowledgeable attorney will work with you to discuss your options and find the best course of action available. A lawyer who is also a CPA will bring added insight and expertise to your case.