A Connecticut man was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison for evading federal income taxes on over $1.2 million earned from commercial fishing in Massachusetts.
Brian Kobus, a resident of Durham, Connecticut, worked as a commercial fisherman and deckhand for multiple fishing companies. Between 2011 and 2013, as well as from 2017 to 2021, Kobus accumulated more than $1.2 million from fishing activities. Despite this significant income, he did not file federal income tax returns or pay the taxes owed.
Kobus attempted to evade tax obligations by regularly cashing his paychecks and using the funds for personal expenses, thereby concealing the source of his income from the IRS. His actions resulted in a total tax loss of approximately $377,839.90 to the federal government.
In addition to prison time, U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton also imposed a one-year supervised release and ordered Kobus to pay restitution of $377,839.90 to the United States.
The investigation was conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation unit, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat tax evasion and ensure compliance. The case underscores the serious legal consequences of neglecting tax obligations.
