A Utah man has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for tax evasion and for illegally retaking his home after it was seized and sold to satisfy his outstanding tax debt.
Paul Kenneth Cromar, formerly of Cedar Hills, Utah, was convicted of failing to pay over $700,000 in taxes owed from 1999 to 2005. Despite repeated attempts by the IRS to collect the debt, Cromar evaded payment for over a decade, employing various tactics to obstruct the collection process.
READ: Off-Duty ATF Agent Seriously Injured In Shooting At Riverview Bowling Alley; Teen Arrested
In 2019, a federal judge ordered the sale of Cromar’s home to satisfy his tax liability, which had grown to over $1 million with penalties and interest. Cromar attempted to block the sale by filing false documents and harassing IRS personnel.
When those efforts failed, Cromar took a drastic step: he broke into the home shortly before the sale was finalized and occupied it illegally for five months. He fortified the house with firearms, sandbags, and wooden boards, effectively turning it into a makeshift bunker.
Cromar’s illegal occupation of the home ended with his arrest. He was also a fugitive from justice in a related state court case.
READ: North Carolina Postal Worker Sentenced For Stealing $750,000 In Treasury Checks
In addition to his prison sentence, Cromar was ordered to pay over $723,000 in restitution to the United States.
“This sentencing sends a clear message that those who attempt to evade their tax obligations and obstruct justice will face serious consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah.
The case was investigated by the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with assistance from the FBI.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.