MFI-Miami

Florida Attorney Pleaded Guilty

Florida Attorney Pleads Guilty to $10M Charitable Tax Fraud

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Florida attorney Michael L. Meyer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion, orchestrating an illegal tax shelter scheme known as the "Ultimate Tax Plan." From 2013 through 2021, Meyer promoted fraudulent charitable deductions, advising clients to claim donations while retaining control of assets, and earned over $10 million from the scheme. Meyer also created false, backdated documents to mislead the Justice Department during a civil suit, which ultimately led to him being permanently enjoined from promoting the plan in April 2019.

What Florida Attorney Pleaded Guilty to a $10 Million Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Scam?

Scumbag Florida attorneyA Florida attorney pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax evasion. Scumbag 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 the scumbag Florida attorney 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.

How Did the Florida Attorney Commit 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. 

Read More About The Scumbag Florida Attorney On MFI-Miami.com.

 

 

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How can homeowners ensure their legal counsel is trustworthy when seeking foreclosure defense, especially given cases like the attorney's tax fraud?

Homeowners should thoroughly vet potential attorneys by checking their standing with the state bar association and reviewing client testimonials or disciplinary records. Be cautious of attorneys who propose overly complex financial schemes or promise guaranteed, unrealistic outcomes, as highlighted by the attorney's fraudulent charitable contribution scam.

2 What are common warning signs of an unethical attorney or a fraudulent legal scheme that homeowners should be aware of?

Warning signs include an attorney pressuring clients into unusual financial arrangements, particularly those involving tax shelters or charitable contributions that seem too good to be true. A lack of transparency regarding fees, vague explanations of legal strategies, or resistance to providing documentation can also indicate misconduct.

3 If a homeowner facing foreclosure suspects their current attorney is involved in fraud, what immediate steps should they take?

If you suspect your attorney is engaged in fraud, it's crucial to immediately seek independent legal advice from another attorney. You should also gather all communications and documents related to your case and consider reporting your concerns to your state's bar association, which investigates attorney misconduct.

4 Can an attorney's involvement in a tax fraud scheme, like the one described, negatively impact their clients' legal cases, such as a foreclosure defense?

Yes, an attorney's involvement in criminal activities like tax fraud can severely compromise their ability to represent clients ethically and effectively. Such misconduct can lead to disbarment, leaving clients without representation, and potentially expose clients to legal scrutiny if they were unknowingly implicated in the fraudulent activities.

Scroll to Top