Grand jury returns indictment for pair

A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against two Salt Lake County residents, charging them with illegal tax-related crimes.

John Worthen and Laura Olson have been charged with conspiracy, tax evasion and making false statements. Federal prosecutors maintain the pair created an intricate plan to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.

"Hiding assets to avoid having them seized by the IRS is a crime, and those who place assets in the names of others, such as corporations, trusts or individuals, in an effort to avoid paying their taxes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman said.

The indictment shows that Worthen pleaded guilty to tax-evasion charges in 1997 and was sentenced in federal court to 33 months in prison.

— Linda Thomson