AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The head of a former poker chip manufacturing company in Maine has been convicted of tax evasion, conspiracy and other charges in connection with his business.
The attorney general’s office says 72-year-old John Kendall of Falmouth was found guilty Tuesday. Prosecutors said from late 2007 through the end of 2012, his company, Chipco International, withheld income taxes from employees’ wages. Kendall diverted the funds to pay for business and personal expenses, including his mortgage, legal fees for his personal bankruptcy and country club expenses.
Prosecutors said he conspired with an employee to evade payment of withholding taxes by paying workers “off the books.” Six employees previously pleaded guilty to theft of unemployment benefits or income tax evasion.
The state recovered about $110,000 of $165,000 in taxes withheld by Chipco.
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