Scumbag Florida Attorney Pleaded Guilty To Making $10 Million In Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Scam

A Florida attorney pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion. Florida attorney Michael L. Meyer promoted an illegal tax shelter scheme involving false charitable deductions. It also appears Meyers was not a member of the Florida Bar. Thus, may have been practicing law in Florida without a license. Right under the watchful eye of the Florida Bar.

Court documents show from 2013 through 2021, Meyer organized and sold the Ultimate Tax Plan. They also allege Meyer knew the “Ultimate Tax Plan” was an illegal tax shelter.

Prosecutors alleged Meyer marketed the scheme as a way for clients to reduce their tax liability. He promoted deductions for charitable donations that he knew were fraudulent.

He also prepared boilerplate transaction paperwork for his clients. The paperwork made it appear that they had donated valuable property to charities Meyer controlled.

However, the clients retained complete control over the donated assets.

Meyer also illegally advised that clients could access their donated assets for their own personal use through tax-free loans and execute an “exit strategy” to buy back their donations at a significantly discounted rate.

The Florida Attorney Committed Fraud For His Clients

Meyer would backdate documents so that clients could claim these purported donations on their prior years’ tax returns.

The Justice Department filed a civil suit against Meyer in 2018. The DOJ sought to enjoin him from continuing to promote the Ultimate Tax Plan. As part of that litigation, the department issued civil subpoenas to Meyer’s clients. These subpoenas requested records related to the Ultimate Tax Plan.

In response, Meyer created false documents with backdated signatures. He then directed clients to submit them to the Justice Department.

Meyer also provided false backdated documents in responses to the Justice Department. In April 2019, a federal district court permanently enjoined him from organizing and promoting the Ultimate Tax Plan. They also barred him from marketing or selling the scam.

Meyer also earned more than $10 million from selling the Ultimate Tax Plan. He used that income to purchase a multimillion-dollar estate and a luxury vehicle collection.

Meyer faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.