Robert Gordon Hayes v. United States ( 1969 )

JONES, Circuit Judge.

The appellant, Robert Gordon Hayes, and his wife, Ruth, were indicted on January 11, 1965, in the Southern District of Florida for wilfully attempting to evade and defeat income taxes due the United States for the years 1958, 1959 and 1960 in violation of 26 U.S.C.A. Sec. 7201. Pursuant to a motion filed by the defendants, the cause was transferred to the Northern District of Florida. At a jury trial, appellant Hayes was convicted and his wife acquitted on each of the three counts contained in the indictment. Subsequently, a fine of $2,000 was levied and concurrent sentences of fifteen months’ imprisonment on each count were imposed. From this judgment and sentence, Hayes has appealed.

Appellant’s first specification of error challenges the jurisdiction of the Southern District of Florida to return the indictment. Hayes filed his income tax returns for the years 1958, 1959 and 1960 with the District Director in Jacksonville, Florida, which, when the returns were filed, was within the Southern District of Florida. On July 30, 1962, an area including Jacksonville was transferred into the simultaneously created Middle District of Florida. 28 U.S. C.A. Sec. 89(b). It is asserted that, because the indictment was returned after Jacksonville became a part of the Middle District, a grand jury of the Southern District had no jurisdiction to return the indictment.

In answering appellant’s jurisdictional challenge, reference to 18 U.S. C.A. Sec. 3240 is particularly appropriate. This section provides:

“Whenever any new district or division is established, or any county or territory is transferred from one district or division to another district or division, prosecutions for offenses committed within such district, division, county, or territory prior to such transfer, shall be commenced and proceeded with the same as if such new district or division had not been created, or such county or territory had not been transferred, unless the court, upon the application of the defendant, shall order the case to be removed to the new district or division for trial.”

Because there is no question but that the Southern District could have indicted Hayes had the Middle District not been created, Holbrook v. United States, 5th Cir. 1954, 216 F.2d 238, it seems clear that the above statute permits the Southern District to do so, although the place of the alleged offenses had been transferred to a new district after the time alleged for the commission of the offenses.

Appellant asserts that Quinlan v. United States, 5th Cir. 1927, 22 F.2d 95, requires a contrary interpretation of Section 3240. In that case, this Court expressed the view that 18 U.S.C.A. Sec. 121, which is the statutory predecessor of 18 U.S.C.A. Sec. 3240, had no effect on cases begun after the creation of a new district, and that the statute merely enabled the court in the old district “to retain jurisdiction of pending criminal cases which properly could not be begun in that court after the creation of the new district.” Quinlan v. United States, supra at 98. If this interpretation of 18 U.S.C.A. Sec. 3240 is followed, appellant’s contention would be upheld. However, both the plain meaning of the statute and a subsequent Supreme Court decision convince us that the above statement is not declaratory of the controlling principle.

In Lewis v. United States, 279 U.S. 63, 49 S.Ct. 257, 73 L.Ed. 615, the Supreme Court determined that the Eastern District of Oklahoma had jurisdiction to indict and try an offense committed in a county which had been transferred out of the Eastern District into the newly created Northern District after the commission of the offense but before the return of the indictment. While it is true, as is pointed out by the appellant, that this decision rested in part upon the language of the jurisdictional provisions of the act creating the new Northern District, the Supreme Court clearly stated that the result reached was also in accord with 28 U.S.C.A. Sec. 101. See Lewis v. United States, supra, at 71. This interpretation of the statute is consistent with the clear import of the language used therein. Section 3240 empowers an altered district to commence prosecutions after the change by indicting for offenses committed within its prior boundaries before alteration “the same as if such new district or division had not been created * * * ” M'izell v. Vickrey, 10th Cir. 1929, 36 F.2d 327. The district court here was correct in refusing to dismiss the indictment for lack of jurisdiction.

Appellant contends that the indictment was defective in that it failed to state an offense. The indictment alleged that Hayes did:

“Wilfully and knowingly attempt to evade and defeat * * * income tax due * * * by filing * * * with the district director * * * a false and fraudulent income tax return * * * in violation of section 7201 * * * »

The indictment is sufficient. It discloses the means by which Hayes attempted to defeat the tax even though tax evasion indictments need not contain such an allegation. Lott v. United States, 5th Cir. 1962, 309 F.2d 115; Reynolds v. United States, 5th Cir. 1955, 225 F.2d 123. Both the statutory language and a reference to the specific section alleged to have been violated are incorporated within the charge. This in itself is sufficient if all the essential elements of the offense are contained in the statute. Worthy v. United States, 5th Cir. 1964, 328 F.2d 386. Hayes was sufficiently apprised of the nature of the offense charged so as to permit him to prepare a defense and successfully plead former jeopardy if brought to- trial in the future for the same offense. No more is required. United States v. Strauss, 5th Cir. 1960, 283 F.2d 155. Appellant’s attack on the indictment must fail.

At the trial the Government relied upon the net worth method to establish its case. As stated in Merritt v. United States, 5th Cir. 1964, 327 F.2d 820, 821, this method of proving income tax evasion

“Proceeds on the assumption that, if in a particular year the increase (not accounted for by nontaxable items) in a taxpayer’s net worth plus his nondeductible expenditures exceeds his reported net income to a substantial extent, the excess represents unreported income and permits an inference of wilfulness on the part of the taxpayer.”

An essential element of the prosecution’s proof in this type of case is the establishment of an opening net worth. Hayes contends that this figure was not established “with reasonable certainty” as is required. Holland v. United States, 348 U.S. 121, 75 S.Ct. 127, 99 L.Ed. 150. In support of this contention, Hayes asserts that the Government’s calculation was inaccurate with respect to three particular items used in computing appellant’s opening net worth.

The Government allowed $10,000 as a reasonable figure for cash on hand in 1951. This amount was based upon information offered by an accountant of the appellant who had been given a power of attorney to represent him in tax matters. A Government agent testified as to the accountant’s calculations. Appellant objects to the use of this figure on the ground that it was established by hearsay testimony and because the Government failed to investigate Hayes’ assertion that he placed $64,000 in a safety deposit box in a Tallahassee bank in 1951. Neither objection has merit.

It is clear that appellant’s accountant was acting within the scope of his employment and authority when he indicated his estimate of the extent of Hayes’ cash reserves to the Government agent. Thus the accountant’s statement is admissible against Hayes as an admission by an authorized agent. The hearsay objection is not tenable. Laird v. Air Carrier Engine Service, Inc., 5th Cir. 1959, 263 F.2d 948; Cox v. Esso Shipping Co., 5th Cir. 1957, 247 F.2d 629. It seems appropriate to note here that the accountant-client privilege under Florida Statute Sec. 473.15 (1967), is not applicable in a Federal criminal proceeding. Falsone v. United States, 5th Cir. 1953, 205 F.2d 734.

As to appellant’s claim of a $64,000 cash hoard, we agree that the Government should investigate leads furnished by the taxpayer in arriving at an opening net worth. Merritt v. United States, supra. The record here shows that the Government did all that was required of it. During the investigation of this case, the Revenue agents repeatedly requested information concerning the amount of Hayes’ cash on hand, yet no indication of $64,000 cash on hand in 1951 was made. Moreover, the Government agent did not learn of the Tallahassee safety deposit box until some time in 1962 at which time the funds, according to Hayes’ testimony, had been depleted. Hayes had previously told a Government agent that he generally kept no more than $1,000 to $4,000 cash on hand at any one time. Under these circumstances, sufficient investigation by the Government is apparent, and the issue raised by Hayes’ cash hoard claim was properly submitted to the jury.

The appellant makes an attack upon the $2,000 cost basis allowed by the Government for five and one-half acres of land sold by Hayes in 1959. Use of this basis, which was supplied by Hayes’ accountant, resulted in a higher capital gain for the tax year involved. Appellant contends that use of this $2,000 basis was improper because the Government had previously allowed him and his wife a $5,000 cost basis on their joint tax return when the property was sold in 1959. Apparently it is believed that the Government is somehow estopped by this allowance. No authority is cited in support of this position. The record fails to show that the Government entered into a statutory agreement assigning $5,000 as the basis for the land. Under these circumstances, no estoppel can be found. See Sherwin v. United States, 9th Cir. 1963, 320 F.2d 137; United States v. Hardy, 4th Cir. 1962, 299 F.2d 600.

The last net worth item challenged by Hayes is the cost value of partially constructed apartments as of January 1, 1958. Appellant testified that the apartments were seventy-five percent completed on that date, and that a value of $9,000 should have been assigned to the cost of the apartments. Instead, the Government credited the apartments with a cost value of $3,500. This figure was taken from appellant’s 1957 income tax return. Apparently, no other record of construction costs had been kept. These facts presented an issue which the jury resolved with sufficient evidence to support its determination. No error was committed. It seems appropriate to say here that use of the cost value asserted by appellant would have no effect on appellant’s opening net worth for the years 1959 and 1960.

Hayes’ next specification of error states that the district court committed error by admitting into evidence testimony relating to appellant’s prior convictions. It is argued that these convictions are so remote in time that they have no bearing on appellant’s present credibility.

It can not be doubted that a defendant who takes- the stand in his own defense may be cross-examined concerning his prior convictions. Reese v. United States, 5th Cir. 1965, 353 F.2d 732. Such inquiry is permitted for the purpose of impeachment as to credibility. Taylor v. United States, 5th Cir. 1960, 279 F.2d 10. However, as stated in Fire Association of Philadelphia v. Weathered, 5th Cir. 1932, 62 F.2d 78, 79:

“The length of time that should elapse before a conviction for felony ceased to have any probative value cannot be fixed by the law, but must be left to the sound discretion of the trial court.”

The record indicates that, before ruling on the admissibility of evidence of the prior convictions, the trial judge carefully considered both the nature of the prior offenses and the length of time that had elapsed since their commission. Considering these same factors, we find no abuse of discretion. If error were committed, the lack of prejudice caused thereby would prevent a reversal on this ground. See Steele v. United States, 5th Cir. 1957, 243 F.2d 712.

Further' attacking the Government’s conduct during the cross-examination of Hayes, it is asserted that error was committed when the United States Attorney asked the following question: “Did you escape from prison?” To this, appellant responded: “I did not. Yes, yes.”

The question is improper and prejudicial, Hayes argues, because it sought to establish, not whether Hayes had been convicted of a crime, but whether Hayes had escaped. As noted by appellant, evidence of prior conviction is admissible; evidence of previous, misconduct is not. Roberson v. United States, 5th Cir. 1957, 249 F.2d 737, 72 A.L.R.2d 434.

Hayes, unfortunately, cannot receive the benefit of the rule upon which he relies. In response to a question asked by defense counsel during direct examination, the appellant stated:

“One day I left [prison] and went back about three or four months later and they marked up an escape against me, and they still turned me outside even then. I was never locked up.”

In the face of this statement, Government counsel’s inquiry was not without the scope of permissive cross-examination.

Appellant urges that error was committed when Government agents and Government counsel commented on appellant’s failure to make any explanation for his substantial increase in net worth. A reversal of appellant’s conviction would generally be required on this ground. Griffin v. California, 380 U.S. 609, 85 S.Ct. 1229, 14 L.Ed.2d 106. Here, however, peculiar circumstances may demand a different result.

After a preliminary investigation of appellant’s books and records, the Government agents, at the request of appellant, obtained all further information from appellant’s accountants. One of these accountants testified at the trial that after he indicated to Mr. and Mrs. Hayes the substantial increase in their net worth, he asked them: “Do you know where it came from, or are these figures correct?” The accountant then testified that no explanation of the increase in net worth was offered. Significantly, no objection to this testimony was raised.

After this accountant’s testimony, one of the Government’s tax investigators was called to the stand. On cross-examination, defense counsel attempted several times to establish that the agent had made unfounded and unnecessary assumptions as to Hayes’ net worth. In response to such questions, the agent stated that no one would furnish him with different figures. An example of such an exchange is the following:

“Defense counsel: Haven’t I repeatedly asked you if you would let me know specifically, what specific items you wanted so we could get them for you?

“Govt Agent: Repeatedly I asked. We did that repeatedly. We told you we wanted to know how much cash he had. Repeatedly we failed to hear it. This was done on numerous occasions.”

Again, no objection was raised.

Later in the trial, another Government agent testified that no explanations as to the increased net worth had been made by anyone. At this time, defense counsel objected. This objection was overruled, but during the testimony of this agent the trial judge advised the jury that Hayes had the right to remain silent. On cross-examination, testimony concerning the lack of explanation was intentionally elicited by defense counsel through the following questions:

“Do you remember indicating to us at that conference * * * that if a satisfactory explanation could be made of any unexplained increases in net worth * * * you did not feel criminal liability existed?

“Did I understand your testimony earlier today, to say that if a satisfactory explanation had been forthcoming you would have settled the case? “The fact that Mr. and Mrs. Hayes and I remained silent and did not come forward with an explanation, that is why we are here today?”

Appellant further asserts that Government counsel improperly commented to the jury on his failure to make explanations. The United States Attorney attempted in closing argument to discredit Hayes’ claim to a $64,000 cash hoard by stating that Hayes had never made such a claim prior to the trial. No objection was raised at this time. Defense counsel thereafter twice alluded to the fact that Hayes had been advised to remain silent by his attorneys. In the latter part of the Government’s closing argument, the Government attorney replied to these statements by suggesting the unlikelihood of Hayes remaining silent if the cash hoard claim were true. At this time, the following objection was raised:

“Your Honor, we respectfully object to his referring to what the court may do with respect to his explanation.”

This objection was overruled.

Following these arguments, the trial judge again instructed the jury that the defendant was entitled to refuse to make any statements during the investigation and that the jury should draw no inference from the fact that the defendant elected to exercise this privilege.

It does not appear that any prejudicial error resulted from the comments which the appellant contends were improper. Much of the relevant testimony and argument was either not objected to, or was directly invited by the conduct of defense counsel. Furthermore, if there were any prejudicial impact from the statements, it was erased by the trial judge’s several admonitions to the jury.

The appellant makes three additional contentions. These also are without merit. First, what this Court stated in Myers v. United States, 5th Cir. 1966, 356 F.2d 469, convinces us that the trial court committed no error in admitting into evidence and submitting to the jury two net worth summaries prepared by the Government. Second, no error can be found in the following charge to the jury:

“The attempt to evade or defeat a tax must be a wilful attempt: that is, it must be done knowingly, made with the specific intent to defeat the Government, from the Government a tax, imposed by the income tax laws which was the duty of the defendant to pay the Government. In other words, attempt must be knowingly made with the specific purpose of defrauding the Government of some substantial amount of income tax wilfully due from the defendants, or one of them.

“A fraudulent tax return is one that is false and known to be false by the person making it or causing it to be made and filed with the intent to deceive.”

This language adequately defines “wilfulness,” and no prejudicial error resulted from the trial judge’s failure to include the phrase “bad purpose” within the charge. Third, whether or not Hayes’ attempt to defeat income taxes due the United States was wilful constituted an issue which was properly submitted to the jury. That body’s resolution of the issue is supported by substantial evidence.

The judgment and sentence of the district court should be and are hereby

Affirmed.