Escambia Attorney And Accountant Face Prison For Federal Tax Crimes

January 21, 2017

An Escambia County accountant and attorney is facing up to five year in prison for federal tax crimes.

James R.J. Scheltema, 56, of Pensacola, has pled guilty to filing false tax returns and tax evasion.

Between 2010 and 2013, Scheltema, a certified public accountant and attorney, received restricted stock as compensation for his legal and accounting services. He initially reported no compensation on his 2011 and 2012 individual income tax returns, despite receiving substantial  compensation from stock issuance and the sale of stock. Scheltema also failed to file timely 2013 individual and corporate income tax returns for two companies he owned and operated.

Scheltema tried to evade notice of stock sales by instructing checks be made payable to his wife and to one of the companies he owned, rather than to himself. After being notified of the IRS  investigation, Scheltema filed amended 2011 and 2012 returns and a delinquent 2013 return, which were still false.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 10 at 3 p.m. For each charge of filing false tax returns, Scheltema faces a maximum of three years in prison. For the tax evasion charge, he faces a maximum of five years in prison.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation.

Comments

6 Responses to “Escambia Attorney And Accountant Face Prison For Federal Tax Crimes”

  1. Go Away on January 23rd, 2017 1:12 am

    He won’t go to prison, he will not lose his license, Sorry to say.

  2. No Excuses on January 21st, 2017 9:13 pm

    @Mike,

    They don’t play tennis at our prison. They WORK and must attend educational and self-improvement programs. They don’t get to “do what they want”. Not sure where he’ll be designated, but if it’s here in Pensacola, know that he won’t be in a country club prison.

  3. mick on January 21st, 2017 7:42 pm

    After disbarment ,decertification, and prison what to do, what to do?

  4. Bob C. on January 21st, 2017 7:40 pm

    Mr. Scheltema is not only a disgrace to his professions and family he is a crook and further he is flat out stupid to try and lie to the IRS.
    Hope he goes to general population for full sentence.

  5. Jp on January 21st, 2017 10:50 am

    Jail time is well deserved! All that effort to cheat, lie, and steal… Thanks IRS

  6. mike on January 21st, 2017 9:52 am

    Tennis court prison on the way! Prison is still prison, in that you can’t get up and walk away. :(

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News