Rabbi who Survived Synagogue Shooting Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

A rabbi who was injured in 2019’s California synagogue shooting is back in the news — only this time, he isn’t the victim.

Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who heads the Chabad of Poway synagogue, has pleaded guilty to carrying out a multi-million dollar tax scame, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors say Goldstein collected $6.2 million in phony donations for the synagogue, then returned 90 percent of the money with tax receipts for the full amounts. That enabled people to take big deductions on their taxes, while Goldstein became $620,000 richer. “We call this the 90-10 tax fraud scheme,” says D.A. Robert Brewer.

Goldstein, who lost part of his hand in last year’s shooting, faces a maximum of five years in prison. However, prosecutors are recommending probation, citing Goldstein’s cooperation in the case.

Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/ny-california-synagogue-shooting-tax-fraud-scheme-rabbi-20200715-blzzcbhdp5cvxgzfby76yplofu-story.html

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