Wesley Snipes Trial
Actor Wesley Snipes was found guilty of willfully failing to file tax returns for three years in which he owed the government $2.7 million in February 2008. On April 24, 2008, Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison on the federal charges.
Snipes' lawyers had hoped the star of the Blade trilogy would avoid prison time and be allowed to simply pay a fine. In a sentencing memo, his legal team wrote, "He is contrite, promises that he will never again break the law, and respectfully asks the court to consider not just the jury verdict but also all the good that he has done in his life."
But prosecutors in the case wanted to make an example of Snipes because the case represented a "singular opportunity" to deter tax fraud.
Actors Woody Harrelson and Denzel Washington wrote letters to the court testifying to Snipes' character.
On May 22, 2008, Snipes was released on bail, pending the result of his appeal.
Fast Facts
- Originally arrested: December 8, 2006
- His attorney filed appeals, but was unsuccessful, in moving the trial
- Reportedly owes the IRS more than $2.7 million
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