Tax evasion nets prison term for ex-trucking official

The former owner of a trucking company in Kansas City, Kan., will spend nearly three years in federal prison for evading federal income taxes.

Clifford C. Copp, 47, of Overland Park, who owned Copp Trucking Co. in Kansas City, Kan., pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of tax evasion. He was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.

Copp was also ordered to pay $939,408 in restitution.

Copp admitted he filed reports to the Internal Revenue Service in 2001 indicating the company owed approximately $939,408 in employment taxes for that year. However, federal prosecutors said, the company did not pay the employment taxes due.

In February 2004 Copp was assessed trust fund recovery penalties of $669,037. When the IRS began collection efforts, prosecutors say he concealed income. He filed a false statement to the IRS concealing ownership interest in assets including livestock, life insurance and farm equipment.

Copp also concealed his interest in another company he formed, Wildcat Limo, LLC.

This story was originally published September 6, 2016 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Tax evasion nets prison term for ex-trucking official."