MONTROSE, Colo.—A Montrose couple who appealed their convictions and prison sentences on tax charges have been acquitted by a federal jury in Seattle, the Montrose Daily Press reported.
James and Pamela Moran were among six people affiliated with Anderson’s Ark and Associates who were convicted in late 2004 in an Internet tax-shelter scheme from 1997-2001. Prosecutors said the scheme involved claims of $120 million in false income-tax deductions.
However, a federal appeals court found the trial court erred in disallowing some of Pamela Moran’s testimony at trial. The couple had used a good-faith defense, with their lawyers arguing that they believed the tax programs they used were legal.
On Friday, jurors acquitted the couple on all 64 counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns, the Montrose Daily Press reported.
“We’re still lightheaded,” Moran told the newspaper Friday. “We’re so grateful that justice has been served and that the truth has prevailed after seven years. We want to thank everyone in this community that has stood by us with their prayers and support.”
IRS agent John Harrison said the government was waiting for an order to release assets seized from the Morans.
