Colorado’s best-known tax opponent went on trial Friday in a tax-evasion case, with the government accusing him of hiding millions through a sham charity to avoid taxes.
Douglas Bruce, a former state lawmaker and father of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, is accused of avoiding paying taxes by either not reporting income or diverting money to a nonprofit. He’s also accused of attempting to influence a public servant by trying to mislead tax officials.
The government said Bruce’s nonprofit, called Active Citizens Together, was set up for the sole purpose of hiding his income funding his anti-government activism.
“This was not a viable, above-board charity, but simply a parking lot for him to park and hide his money,” said Colorado Assistant Attorney General Robert Shapiro in opening statements in Denver District Court. If convicted, Bruce faces a fine of up to $500,000 or possible jail time. The Associated Press
