Thread: Former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds (D-IL.) charged with failing to file tax returns

Former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds charged with failing to file tax returns

WRITTEN BY LUKE WILUSZ POSTED: 06/26/2015, 09:37AM

Former Congressman Mel Reynolds was indicted on charges he didn't file tax returns for 2009-2012. | Sun-Times file photo

Former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds, who has already served two prison terms, has been charged with failing to file federal income tax returns for four years.

Reynolds, 63, was indicted Thursday on federal charges alleging he failed to file returns for four consecutive years, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

The indictment claims Reynolds earned enough each year to be required to file a return in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, but did not do so.

Each count carries a maximum sentence of a year in prison and a $250,000 fine, the state’s attorney’s office said.

Reynolds was first elected to Congress in 1992 and served in the House from 1993-95.

In August 1994, he was indicted on sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse for an alleged sexual relationship with a 16-year-old campaign volunteer. Though formally indicted, Reynolds was re-elected in 1994 without opposition.

In August 1995, he was convicted on 12 counts of sexual assault, obstruction of justice and solicitation of child pornography. He resigned his seat on Oct. 1, 1995.

He was sentenced to five years in prison, but before his release, in April 1997, he was convicted on 16 counts of bank fraud, misusing campaign funds for personal use and lying to investigators. After being convicted, Reynolds served the first sentence, and another 42 for the the second conviction.

Mel Reynolds indictment

http://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/7/...le-tax-returns

Assumed authority, quick wealth, and implied power corrupts politicians. This one, leaves me to wonder if he waited to be elected to be naughty?