Man pleads guilty to federal tax evasion charge

A man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

Kent Price, 57, Kingwood, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan.

In his plea he admitted the crimes took place while he and co-defendant Donald Doleshal, 62, Driftwood, Texas, lived in Kansas and were partners and owners of Central States Underwater Contracting Inc., Central States Underwater, Limited and Pilecap Inc. The companies inspected, surveyed and repaired underwater pipelines, piles, piers, docks and bridges.

In tax years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, Price understated his personal taxable income by a total of more than $340,000, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. The omission results in taxes due of $53,421.

Price also admitted CSU and Pilecap paid personal expenses for Price and Doleshal that were deducted as business expenses on corporate taxes returns and were not reported as personal income. CSU paid for a Corvette and Saab that were driven by Price and Doleshal’s spouses.

Price is set for sentencing Aug. 26. Doleshal pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is set for sentencing Aug. 19. In both cases, both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 36 months federal probation and full restitution of taxes owed.

Grissom commended the Internal Revenue Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.