9th Circuit Affirms Isley Brother's Tax Evasion Conviction

The Ninth Circuit has affirmed the three-year tax evasion sentence of Isley Brother (and Cincinnati native) Ronald Isley (center on the album cover). United States v. Isley, No. 06-50509 (9th Cir. 2/5/08):

Ronald Isley appeals his sentence for tax evasion resulting in a loss to the government of approximately $3 million. He contends that the district court failed properly to consider the sentencing factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). He also argues that his 37-month sentence is unreasonable in light of his advanced age, poor health, and insufficient proof that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) will provide him adequate health care. We disagree with both arguments and affirm the district court. ...

[T]he district judge concluded that a 37-month sentence best balanced the need to sanction Mr. Isley’s “pathological” tax evasion against the need to accommodate Mr. Isley’s poor health. This determination was not unreasonable.

For more, see the Associated Press. (Hat Tip:  Howard Bashman.)  For prior TaxProf Blog coverage of the case, see here.