Norwalk Landscaper Sentenced For Filing False Tax Returns: DOJ

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk landscaper was sentenced Monday to two months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns, according to the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

According to a news release, court officials said an investigation revealed Candido Valadares, 57, of Norwalk deposited receipts from his businesses into both his business and personal bank accounts. He also "substantially underreported employee wages" by paying some out of his personal accounts.

The accused operates two Norwalk-based landscaping businesses, Candide’s Landscaping and Water Gardens, LLC and Candide Contractor & Natural Pools, LLC. He also provides snow-removal services to his clients during winter months.

Officials said a tax preparer took figures to prepare federal tax returns from profit-and-loss statements provided by the accused, who allegedly knew they did not reflect all revenue deposited in his accounts and substantially underreported payroll.

As a result, the accused's federal tax returns for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 tax years underreported $488,182 in gross receipts, underreported his business payroll by approximately $350,000 and resulted in a loss of $165,763.52 to the U.S. Treasury, officials said.

Officials said the accused is required to pay $165,763.52 in restitution, and cooperate with the IRS to pay any additional civil penalties and interest that have accrued on his unpaid taxes.

Valadares pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return on Nov. 16.

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