Couple Indicted for Tax Evasion

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated that Robert Ledford and his wife Cheryl Ledford of Glenn Springs, South Carolina, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for tax evasion. The Indictment alleges that for 14 years the couple together or individually evaded the payments of taxes for the tax years 1992 through 1995, and 2001 through 2006.

The Indictment alleges that Robert Ledford owned and operated Mark’s Garden World, a garden and nursery business in Spartanburg, from 1992 to 1995. Beginning in September 1993, the Ledfords allegedly hid business income and assets by placing them in various other entities controlled by the Ledfords. Authorities also allege that Robert Ledford earned additional income in 2001 through 2006, but failed to file his taxes for those years.

Mr. Wilkins stated the maximum penalty Robert Ledford could receive is a fine of $1,750,000 and imprisonment for 35 years, and the maximum penalty Cheryl Ledford could receive is a fine of $1,500,000 and imprisonment for 30 years.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Lucius of the Greenville office, and Department of Justice, Tax Division, Trial Attorney Michael Boteler.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.