Hartsville resident arrested for tax evasion, conspiracy

Columbia, SC (October 17, 2012) — SC Department of Revenue investigators today arrested a man from Hartsville for state tax charges. Cecil Gainey was charged at the Darlington County Detention Center with three counts of income tax evasion and one count of conspiracy.

During tax years 2006, 2007 and 2008, Gainey reported fraudulent information on his income tax returns by inflating mileage figures to increase deductions. For these periods, Gainey received state income tax refunds totaling $4,361 to which he was not entitled.

The investigation further revealed that Gainey conspired to commit tax evasion along with another individual by discussing various mileage figures to use on Gainey’s 2008 income tax return; the individuals decided to report figures that they knew were fraudulent.

If convicted of the charges, Cecil Gainey, 50, could face up to $35,000 in fines and/or 20 years in prison. Gainey is currently awaiting a bond hearing at the Detention Center.