Leigh couple accused of tax evasion

OMAHA - A federal grand jury in Omaha has accused a Leigh couple of evading more than $64,000 in taxes during a four-year period ending in 2002.

Andrew J. Olmer, 43, and Susan E. Olmer, 41, are each charged with four counts of tax evasion in an indictment returned by the federal grand jury for the District of Nebraska in Omaha. The indictment of the Olmers was among several cases unsealed by the grand jury late last month.

The Olmers are accused of not paying federal income taxes on a combined income of more than $327,333 from 1999-2002. Andrew Olmer's income during the period was listed as $188,370, while Susan Olmer's income during the span was $138,966, according to the indictment.

The indictment said the Olmers' federal tax bill during the period was about $64,066. Andrew Olmer owed $38,197 and Susan Olmer $25,869 for the four years.

An initial appearance hearing for the Leigh couple will likely be scheduled sometime this month, said Michael Heavican, U.S. attorney for the District of Nebraska. The charges will be read and the Olmers will enter pleas during the hearing, he said.

Heavican said a determination also will be made on whether the couple should be detained following the hearing. He said he doubted he would seek to have the Olmers detained.

A trial is several months down the road, probably sometime in the early summer, Heavican said.

The Olmers did not return a recorded telephone message seeking comment on the indictment.

The indictment charges the Olmers with failing to file “proper” income tax returns during the period by falsely stating that their income was exempt from federal taxes on signed Internal Revenue Service withholding forms (Form W-4) furnished to their employer(s).

In one count, Andrew Olmer is also charged with filing a return document falsely stating he had no taxable income and requesting a refund of the taxes withheld and paid on a taxable distribution from his pension.

The indictment listed Andrew Olmer's taxable income during the four years as: $48,668, 1999; $44,053, 2000; $39,685, 2001; and $55,964, 2002. Susan Olmer's income was listed as: $26,781, 1999; $29,576, 2000; $28,777, 2001; and $53,832, 2002.

Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment followed by a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.