El Dorado County man pleads guilty to tax evasion

Briant Benson, 59, of El Dorado Hills, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion after failing to file tax returns or pay any personal income tax to the IRS, despite receiving at least $2 million dollars in income.

Benson, the President and CEO of multiple medical device companies, used corporate funds to support his lavish lifestyle by purchasing multi-million dollar homes, hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry and furniture, and travel accommodations such as luxury hotels, private jets, and limousines. Benson also used corporate funds to pay over half a million dollars in gambling debt.

Benson’s failure to report his personal income and pay taxes due and owing on that income resulted in a tax loss to the government of at least $249,000.

“In today’s economic environment, it is more important than ever that the American people feel that everyone is playing by the rules and paying the taxes they owe,” said Michael T. Batdorf, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Mr. Benson concealed his true income from the IRS and rather than paying his taxes. The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is vital in maintaining public confidence in our tax system.”

Benson is scheduled for sentencing on December 2, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. Benson faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine.