FROM STAFF REPORTS 

The owner of several Birmingham-area businesses pleaded guilty today in federal court to filing a false tax return and admitting owing the Internal Revenue Service nearly $450,000.

Ahmad Rahiminejad, 56, of Helena, entered his guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon to filing a false tax return in 2007 which stated his gross income for 2006 was $629,700, when his actual gross income for that year was $1,144,532. The judge scheduled sentencing for late October.

“The U.S. tax system is based on voluntary compliance with our tax laws,” RS Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent in Charge Donald B. Yaden. “While most taxpayers are honest and law-abiding, there are a few rogue individuals who believe they do not have to pay their fair share.”

Rahiminejad owned several businesses in the Birmingham metropolitan area, including Mike’s Citgo 1, the Gold Club and the strip club Mike’s Crossroads.

According to his plea agreement with the government, Rahiminejad disclosed those businesses on his federal income tax returns for tax years 2006 through 2009, but “greatly understated” his gross receipts and business income for those four years. Because of the under-reported income, Rahiminejad owes the IRS $446,693 for the tax years 2006 through 2009.

As part of his plea agreement, Rahiminejad agrees to pay the $446,693 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury.

Rahiminejad faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The IRS, Criminal Investigation Division, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow prosecuted the case.