(FL) Lobbyist accused of federal tax fraud

May 8, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - For 35 years, lobbyist Arthur I. "Buddy" Jacobs has worked to score bigger budgets and more power for Florida's prosecuting attorneys.

Now the most visible ally of the 20 state attorneys has been accused by federal prosecutors of living lavishly while failing to pay his federal income taxes for seven years.

According to allegations filed by U.S. Attorney Paul Perez, while Jacobs avoided paying his taxes, he bought a $525,000 home at Amelia Island Plantation, bought a Mercedes-Benz and other expensive vehicles every few years, entertained at the Amelia Island Club, spent $20,000 for his wife's cosmetic surgery and loaned her business $119,000 that was never repaid.

His principal residence, vehicles and other assets were registered in the names of his wife and children to avoid creditors, prosecutors say.

"The record is clear," the U.S. Attorney alleges in an appeal of a bankruptcy court decision. "Jacobs has historically enjoyed a lavish lifestyle far beyond the means of average, law-abiding, taxpaying Americans, placed substantial assets in the name of his spouse to keep them beyond the reach of creditors, commingled personal and corporate funds for the same purpose and transferred substantial assets to family members ... demonstrating a conscious and deliberate strategy of evading the payment of his lawful federal income tax obligations."

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/05/08/State/Lobbyist_accused_of_f.shtml


Another sleezebag falls from grace. The funny part is he spent $20,000 on his wifes plastic surgery - to help her mental illness. I didn't know plastic surgury was a treatment for mental illness?

A Schizophreniaplasty?

Another GOP hack living the good life on our dime. Seeya!

What a crook.