South Thomaston Woman Sentenced for Failure to Pay Income Taxes

October 12, 2012

South Thomaston Woman Sentenced for Failure to Pay Income Taxes Will Serve 90 Day Jail Sentence and Pay $7,086 in Restitution

AUGUSTA ? Attorney General William J. Schneider announced that Gertrude Black, 60, of South Thomaston, was sentenced yesterday for failing to file Maine Income Tax Returns and pay the tax due for 2007 through 2010. Knox County District Court Judge Susan Sparaco sentenced Black to 364 days, with all but 90 days suspended, and 1 year of administrative release. Black will have to pay $7,086 in restitution for the tax due.

During 2007 through 2010 Black was a personal care assistant for an elderly individual who suffered from partial dementia. In addition to the salary Black earned, she admitted to taking financial advantage of her patient. Black had her patient pay for many of Black?s personal expenses such as utility, veterinary, auto insurance, cable, and cellular telephone bills, along with auto loan payments. Black blamed this conduct on her use of alcohol. Black has a history of non-compliance with Maine?s income tax laws.

?This case is an unfortunate example of how the elderly can be exploited for the selfish purposes of their caretakers. We must all be vigilant in protecting the most vulnerable among us and my Office will take strong action against those who take advantage of those in their care,? said Attorney General Schneider. ?All citizens must pay their fair share of income tax and we will continue to prosecute those persons who fail to obey the tax laws.?

This case was investigated by the Criminal Investigations Unit of Maine Revenue Services and the Healthcare Crimes Unit of the Office of the Attorney General. Assistant Attorney General Gregg D. Bernstein prosecuted this matter for Attorney General Schneider?s Criminal Division.