County Councilman Sentenced to Five Months in Prison
Councilman Daryl Jones will report to jail on Jan. 23 for failing to file tax returns between 2002-2007.
Anne Arundel County Councilman and Severn resident Daryl Jones (D-District 1) was sentenced to five months in prison Monday night for failing to file 35 tax returns between 2002-2007.
Jones' hearing lasted about an hour and he was seen wiping tears from his eyes as his sentence was announced.
Jones pleaded guilty to the charges in August, and said the years of evasion occurred during a particularly tough time in his life.
At the hearing Monday night, federal Judge Ellen Hollander sentenced Jones to five months in prison. The maximum sentence for the offense is one year.
Jones, who is in his first of two years on the council, told The Baltimore Sun that he was going to do some thinking before deciding what to do with his council seat. According to the council’s charter, it’s within his rights to stay on.
However, County Council Chairman Dick Ladd and Councilman John Grasso (R-District 2) have both said they believe he should step down for the sake of his constituents.
Jones will begin serving his five-month sentence on Jan. 23.
Editor's Note: This article has been corrected to indicate Daryl Jones failed to file personal tax returns between 2002 and 2007.
Anthony Bellotte
10:24 pm on Monday, November 28, 2011
Well, does he have to pay the back taxes and penalties? Or not?
D. Frank Smith
2:15 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Yes, he still owes some money:
"Under the plea agreement, Jones agreed to repay the government $108,369.57. While he has paid the total taxes due, he still owes $27,447.18 of penalities and interest."
Lawrence Kimble
11:58 pm on Monday, November 28, 2011
Five month in where? For what, are you kidding me, a man with no record at all, never been in any trouble, a man that has done good in the community. What is this?
Barbara Hudgens
7:05 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Unfortunatly Mr.Jones was sunk once certain people found out about this issue. Those people pulled every string and thread to have him have to serve even a week of time if it was called for. They don't like him, because he tries to help the people in the community who are "low-income". That does not go along with flow.
Did Mr. Jones break the law? Yes. Is he paying the taxes owed? Yes. Should he be serving time? NO! Even a first time criminal offender will get a PBJ/ or some similar plea. Mr.Jones never had a chance... I hope he does not give up his office as some people feel it is nessessary. Surely it is not.
MAW
10:52 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
He's a criminal. Of course he should give up his office. No excuse!!!!
FastDog
11:33 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I didn't see any evidence that he turned himself in or self admitted. How was this discovered? Anyway, the prosecuters argued for the max, 1 year in prison and the Federal Judge was disturbed at the fact that he didn't file any for the five year period, yet gave him five months. You cannot hide behind your conspiracy theories for his punishment. I think Councilman Jones should ask himself if he has any credibility with peers on the council, especially in financial matters. The answer should lead to his voluntary departure.
ER
9:00 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sure lets have special terms for Do-gooders, because they are above the process of law. Ladies and gentlemen, get a hold of yourself,you can still like and forgive the person.But he broke the law period the end. If you hold this person in such high regard ask him why he did not follow the laws that govern all of us. If you are a person in government an elected official you have to be alert and aware of all possibilities of misconduct. A elected person is supposed to be a example of integrity not ignorance and purposeful evasion.
hmj
9:03 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Too many freeloaders and deadbeats avoid paying income taxes now. Need to send a clear message that you need to comply with the tax laws. Did the crime and now should do the time.
John Frenaye
10:13 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
PBJ is a Maryland thing. This was federal court. I believe that had it been a year or two (during the tough time) it would have resulted in a slap on the wrist. But this was five+ years and it not only involved personal taxes, but business taxes on two businesses. And when you toss in that he is an attorney that knows the laws, etc. it seems like he was conscientiously avoiding paying taxes.
I do think he needs to step aside. The County Charter allows him to remain in office, but I also am of the belief that we do (and should) hold our politicians (our representatives) to a higher standard.
Despite all the good Jones has done, this was a big disappointment.
Laquita Brown
9:58 pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Daryl Jones is the only black person on the AA County Council . He's consistently fought for the rights of the oppressed, and, in doing so, has made a lot of powerful people angry. By prosecuting Daryl Jones, the government is effectively silencing a Civil Rights leader.
MAW
10:54 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Name one thing he did.
ER
6:01 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
I remember the Symbiotic Staue of Justice is blind allows citizen to find solus in the laws we support through taxation. How ironic this Elected Official was found GUILTY of the laws taxpayers pay into every paycheck. It s sadening to see you only view this a Racial issue not as a condition of citizenship. He should have a acted like he knew better. If you personaly feel an award is due, take money out of your own pocket and get him a plaque of achivement for his service.
Steve Vukovan
12:42 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Reading some of these comments is just proof of why our great nation is slipping into irrelevance. This guy is a disgrace and a coward without honor, because if he had one ounce of it he would resign. Get a grip. He is not above the law and as a person who decides how Taxpayers dollars are spent He should have received the maximum sentence. If he continues in office and the people he represents do not demand a resignation, or recall this CROOK, what does it say about them?
Lawrence Kimble
1:53 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
This great nation made its beginning because people didn't want to pay taxes, so were the fathers of this great nation CROOKS too?
ER
6:21 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Cant say thats true,taxes have been apart of many civilizations throughout history. The founding fathers and population were oppressed by the monarchy of England, The british and the likes of them. Taxes were levied on products,the King would dictate through marshall law, to control the economy through restrictions their form of mercantile.Bottom line the colonists were not be allowed to self govern. The Tea Party was the act of rebellion to the Kings order and trade, taxes were the label not the reason.
Steve Vukovan
10:10 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
Read up on your US history my friend. It was all about Taxation without Representation. I may suggest you glance at the Declaration of Independance. You can find it online. Question if I may, Is Daryl Jones above the law? I don't believe anyone is. So if Jones is a man of conscience or honorable He will act accordingly and resign. He shamed and dishonored his community, the council, and himself. What is your view of Jack and Leslie Johnson, I'm sure they did a great deal of good in PG County?
Amy Leahy
8:52 am on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Our country has a long history now of politicians and elected officials who have broken the laws of the land. And we continue to vote them into office. Our forefathers revolted against taxation without representation and the result was a revolution that created this country. We are once again at the point where the government is so powerful that it passes laws designed to take more and more of our money. And we continue to vote the same people into office. If Daryl Jones resigns from the County Council, it will ultimately be his decision. If he does not, then the people in his district can vote whether or not to continue supporting him...and my guess is they will vote to put him back in office. Because the bottom line is that we as a people do not want to be held accountable for our actions so why should we expect to hold those in power accountable either?
Lawrence Kimble
6:46 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Thank for the history lesson ER, but I still don't think that he should have received that prison sentence after he had paid most of the money owed. That's my opinion.
ER
7:25 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Lawrence I appreciate your opinion,more to pity that we as a society cant just let the non-violent crimes go. Your thought seems to say " I can buy may way out by paying the taxes and applicable fees/penalties". Granted this state is all about money,very obvious. It seems anyone who has funds or the resonable ability to pay for breaking the law is charged and fined heavily. The trust issue is demoralizing to citizens, but I never heard of a robber returning funds for reduced sentence. Good works dont absolve obvious criminal intent. Take care.
Laquita Brown
10:16 pm on Sunday, December 4, 2011
I agree. I doubt he would have been sent to prison if he was white. Its a shame racism still exists in our justice system.
MAW
2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I believe that he should go to prison as with anyone else that doesnt pay taxes. Its not a black or white issue, its about setting an example.
I also think that we should vote the rest of the council out of office since they quelled any discussion about it at the last council meeting. Or at least have them investigated. What are they trying to cover-up? Why are they trying to protect Mr. Jones? I am tired of these politicians who think they can work the system to suit them. BTW Laquita, I still have not heard what good Mr. Jones has done for the citizens he represents. What has made him a stand-out?
Mishy Kidd
10:35 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Don't you know that only Republicans should pay taxes. I wonder what Buffet's secretary's political affiliation are. :P
Lawrence Kimble
9:31 pm on Thursday, December 1, 2011
He represented you Mike Wade that is what he did. What did you do for he? Beside call he a criminal in his time of need.
MAW
7:31 am on Friday, December 2, 2011
He didnt represent me. He ripped me, and every other citizen in this state, off. He is a criminal. It not like someone ripped him off. Give me a break....
Laquita Brown
10:18 pm on Sunday, December 4, 2011
Daryl Jones fought for the oppressed people of AA county. Just because someone made a paperwork mistake shouldn't be an excuse for the white power structure to lock up the only black representative on the county council.
Lawrence Kimble
4:32 am on Friday, December 2, 2011
ER, I do not care what you or anybody thinks my thoughts seem to say. I'm just supporting the person that I voted for to represent me in this district, If you or anybody else did not vote for him during the election, voice your opinions with the lever on election day.
ER
8:39 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
Laquita, Its hard to appreciate your statements! A paperwork mistake? Really, for four consectuive years. 35 miss fillings.One I can understand maybe two, but your statement of the white power structure is absurd. Maybe you should look beyond RACE and look at the character of the person before calling out everyone else.
Steve Vukovan
9:58 pm on Monday, December 5, 2011
ER.........Take a bow for trying to impart some wisdom and common sense in here. Unfortunately to some folks Criminal behavior is okay and should be rewarded. Such a shame as I think we owe our children better than to make heros out of Criminals, Cheats, and Liars. Gee Whiz I wonder why The Honorable Councilman Jones did not mention his Criminal Behavior prior to the last election? Maybe he was afraid to?
Lawrence Kimble
12:16 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Steve, it is true that some people in his community are ashamed and dishonored by his actions, especially the alders, for reasons, YOU I'm quite sure you would never understand. So please, for your sake, the Children sake and anybodies else's sake leave the history out of it. Please!
Gregory45
10:01 am on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
I am also wondering why the Sunpaper is the only one reporting on the latest investigation of Leopold? Does he get away with his crimes against the people?