Bethel Man Sentenced In Tax Evasion Case: Feds

BETHEL, CT — A Bethel man has been sentenced to eight months in prison for tax evasion, according to a statement from Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Timothy Draper, 55, will also have to pay a $75,000 fine.

Draper is the owner of T&M Lawn & Landscape and several residential rental properties in Bethel and Danbury. Draper failed to deposit into his business operating accounts numerous checks generated from his landscaping and rental businesses, resulting in underreporting of approximately $1.8 million in business receipts on his tax returns for the 2015, 2016, and 2017 tax years, according to prosecutors.

Draper also paid personal expenses out of the business accounts and failed to categorize the payments as income. Draper's underreporting of income resulted in the underpayment of more than $500,000 in taxes for the three tax years, according to prosecutors.

Draper has paid $1,117,883.11 in back taxes, interest, and penalties.

In April, Draper pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion.

Draper, who is released on bond, is required to report to prison Jan. 10.