Orono Attorney Sentenced for Failing to File Income Tax Returns

April 15, 2010

For Immediate Release

Orono Attorney Sentenced for Failing to File Income Tax Returns

Contact: Gregg D. Bernstein, 207-626-8517

Bangor?Attorney General Janet Mills announced that Michael McAleer, age 57, of Orono was sentenced to a suspended jail term after his plea of no contest on April 13, 2010 in Penobscot County Superior Court to criminal charges of failing to file Maine state income tax returns for 2003 through 2007. McAleer is a former law partner of the law firm Rudman & Winchell, located in Bangor, Maine.

Justice William Anderson sentenced McAleer to six months of jail, all suspended, and one year of probation followed by a consecutive sentence of six months in jail, all suspended, and one year of probation, and a combination of suspended sentences for remaining counts. In addition, McAleer will be required to pay tax due and file his 2007 and still unfiled 2008 Maine state income tax return. He also will be required to file his future tax returns on time while on probation.

The charges were filed in August of 2009. As of the date of sentencing, McAleer had not yet filed his 2007 or 2008 Maine state income tax returns. There was no plea agreement in this case.

Attorney General Mills commented, "In these difficult economic times, it is even more important that all Maine citizens follow the tax laws so that everyone pays their fair share. My office will take strong action against individuals who fail to comply with the tax laws and force other Maine citizens to make up the difference.?

This case was investigated by Maine Revenue Services' Criminal Investigations Unit and prosecuted by the Attorney General?s Office by Assistant Attorney General Gregg D. Bernstein.

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