Independence man sentenced for tax evasion

Date: March 18, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Springfield, MO - An Independence, MO, man was sentenced in federal court today for of tax evasion.

Michael Robert Jett was sentenced before U.S. District Court Douglas Harpool to 23 months' imprisonment, 3 years of post-release supervision, and ordered to pay $361,078.81 in restitution for tax evasion against the United States.

"Those who violate our tax laws cause honest taxpayers to lose faith that the system is fair," said IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden. "For that reason, IRS-CI partners with the US Attorney's Office to investigate and prosecute those who willfully choose tax evasion. Falsifying documents to avoid paying taxes is stealing, and offenders must be held accountable."

"This time of year is a good reminder to all taxpayers of the consequences of not timely and accurately paying your fair share," said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. "You will be prosecuted and face the loss of your freedom if you do not."

Jett, a salesperson for a time share company, falsely claimed that he was exempt from paying federal or state income taxes. As a result, Jett's employer did not withhold any money from his wages. Jett, despite having no taxes withheld from his salary, then either refused to pay his yearly income taxes or submitted false tax return documents to evade any payment of his personal income taxes. Over the period of six years, between 2017 and 2022, Jett failed and willfully evaded his financial responsibility to pay his yearly income taxes to both the United States and the State of Missouri. Jett was ordered to pay $330,649.43 to the United States Government, and an additional $30,429.38 to the State of Missouri, for a total restitution amount of $361,078.81.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation.

IRS-CI is the law enforcement arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, healthcare fraud, identity theft and more. It is the only federal law enforcement agency with investigative jurisdiction over violations of the Internal Revenue Code. IRS-CI has 18 field offices located across the U.S. and maintains an international presence through attaché posts abroad.