March 29, 2006
www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln

TWO BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS CHARGED WITH FILING FALSE INCOME TAX RETURNS

BIRMINGHAM, AL - MICHAEL FRANKLIN and MARIE S. FRANKLIN both of Birmingham and former husband and wife, owners of Future of the World Day Care Academy and Ministries, Inc., located in Bessemer, were charged in an indictment filed today in U.S. District Court for filing false income tax returns in 1999, 2000, and 2001 with the Internal Revenue Service, and with conspiracy to commit mail fraud.

“As the April 15th tax deadline approaches be reminded that American citizens have a legal responsibility to pay federal income taxes,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. “Writing a check on April 15th may be unpleasant, but not compared with going to a federal prison if you fail to pay or file a false return.”

MICHAEL FRANKLIN, 44, is charged with three counts of filing false income tax returns and conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and MARIE FRANKLIN, 49 is charged with three counts of filing false income tax returns, and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. If convicted they each face a maximum sentence of up to three years imprisonment, and a fine of up to $100,000, and the costs of prosecution. The maximum sentence for conspiracy to commit mail fraud is up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Pat Meadows is prosecuting this case on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.