Ex-Bell City Manager Robert Rizzo Sentenced in Tax Evasion Case

Steven Covelman (NBCLA) | April 14, 2014

Former Bell City Manager Robert Rizzo will serve 33 months in federal prison for tax evasion after being sentenced Monday. Rizzo is also ordered to pay nearly $256,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

In January, Rizzo pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to defraud the IRS and filing a false federal income tax return. From 2005 to 2010, prosecutors said Rizzo claimed more than $770,000 in non-existent losses.

As Bell city manager, he gave himself an annual salary and benefits package worth $1.5 million. The claimed losses were used to offset the inflated wages, authorities said.

The U.S. Probation Office recommended that Rizzo receive a sentence between 27 and 33 months, but prosecutors sought a sentence at the higher end of the guidelines.

“The government recognizes the factors in mitigation cited by the Probation Office, but nevertheless believes a sentence at the high-end of the advisory guidelines sentencing range is appropriate,” prosecutors said in court documents. “Defendant’s crimes in this case are an extension (or a continuation) of the crimes for which he has been found guilty in state court, and overall, defendant’s conduct can only be described as corrupt.”

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