The jury has finally reached a verdict in the Helio Castroneves tax evasion case. There were no scorecards but Castroneves still came out a winner: a federal jury acquitted Castroneves on six counts of tax evasion but hung on one count of conspiracy following a seven-week trial and six days of deliberation. Chances are that prosecutors will not pursue the conspiracy charge.
The jury also acquitted Katiucia Castroneves, who is Castroneves’ sister and business manager, on tax evasion counts but hung on the count of conspiracy.
Castroneves’ attorney, Alan Miller, was found not guilty on all three counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy.
Castroneves reacted by thanking his fans and saying, “Instead of going to Disneyland, I want to go to Long Beach to race. I’m going back to racing.” He is scheduled to race at this weekend’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
So there. I managed to call one of these correctly… That crazy Wesley Snipes verdict threw me for a loop.
Just discovered your blog and I love you already!! Your words helped to calm my frazzled nerves – this Helio Castroneves “tax evasion” trial has really been a trial on every one of his fans. Knowing his personality and character as I do, it’s just be unbelievably horrible experience. Thanks again! Now I’ll get back to ready the actual tax business of your blog …