4 people accused
of tax evasion
Four people have been indicted on charges of sending bogus documents purported to be bills of exchange from the U.S. Department of Treasury to pay their state tax delinquencies.
Glenn L. Pinho, Vincent and Leeann Vertido, and Betty Jane Yap Lau were charged Wednesday by an Oahu grand jury with attempting to evade or defeat tax, a Class C felony, and unsworn falsification to authorities, a misdemeanor.
Pinho had an outstanding tax delinquency of $17,479; the Vertidos, $7,005; and Lau and her husband, $14,779.
Pinho and Lau could not be reached for comment.
Vincent Vertido denied yesterday that he and his wife had done anything wrong.
He said the bill of exchange is prepared through a power of attorney in Florida and is not a false document.
"We're not looking to cheat anyone; we work hard like everyone else," Vertido said.
If convicted, the individuals face up to five years' imprisonment and fines of up to $100,000 for the felony.