LIHU‘E — A Hanapepe man faces up to three years in prison, a fine of not more than $100,000 and restitution of over $50,000 when he is sentenced on federal charges of filing false tax returns. Wael A. Elwir, 37,
LIHU‘E — A Hanapepe man faces up to three years in prison, a fine of not more than $100,000 and restitution of over $50,000 when he is sentenced on federal charges of filing false tax returns.
Wael A. Elwir, 37, pleaded guilty and signed a plea agreement with his attorney Michael J. Green of Honolulu on May 4, and is free pending his sentencing.
“It’s a fair agreement,” Green said, adding that he instructed Elwir to refer any media calls seeking comment to himself.
There were multiple counts of Elwir filing false tax returns for the calendar years of 2003, 2004 and 2005, said Green.
Elwir was indicted by a federal grand jury in February. A federal press release states that Elwir under-reported gross receipts for the three years by $456,930, effectively under-paying $52,494 in federal taxes.
Green said he is still working on getting the restitution and fine amounts reduced, and that he doubts Elwir will get the maximum three-year sentence.
“You gotta face consequences,” Green said.
Elwir is a Palestinian with cancer, and recently underwent a bone-marrow transplant, said Green, adding that Elwir wants to put the legal matter behind him to be able to go to the King Hussein Medical Center in Jordan for further treatment.
In the plea agreement, in which federal prosecutors agreed to drop charges for two of the three years after sentencing, Elwir agreed to pay restitution of $52,494 on or before the sentencing date, plus any applicable interest.
Sentencing before U.S. District Judge J. Michael Seabright is scheduled for Aug. 23 in Honolulu. Seabright does not have to abide by terms and conditions of the plea agreement.
The case resulted from an investigation by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, states the federal press release.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Thomas.
• Paul C. Curtis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@kauaipubco.com.
