Wisconsin lawyer sentenced to federal prison for failing to pay over $2 million in taxes
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) — A lawyer in Wisconsin was sentenced to federal prison for failing to pay more than $2 million in taxes between 2016 and 2021.
Eric Lenzen, 44, of Milwaukee, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for willfully failing to pay $2,462,705.50 in taxes. He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to pay taxes.
Court records indicate that Lenzen, a partner at two prominent law firms in Milwaukee, neglected to pay his income taxes during the specified period, despite earning a substantial salary and maintaining a lavish lifestyle, which included spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on private plane travel, jewelry, and extensive home renovations.
During sentencing, Judge William Duffin described Lenzen’s actions as “exceptionally aggravated.” The judge noted the opportunities Lenzen had to settle his tax debt and the steps he took to “thwart the government’s attempt to recover” the taxes owed.
In addition to his 16-month prison term, Lenzen was ordered to pay $2,462,705.50 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, along with penalties and interest.
“Individuals who seek to line their own pockets and willfully fail to pay their taxes cause harm to every individual and business that plays by the rules,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad. “I commend everyone involved in seeking to hold Mr. Lenzen accountable for his actions.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart.
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