Wesley Snipes Granted Bail Pending Appeal

Actor Wesley Snipes was granted bail on Thursday in Ocala, Florida, while he appeals his federal tax convictions and the three-year jail sentence for failing to file tax returns.

U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges ruled Thursday that Wesley Snipes could remain free on bail until his pending appeal is settled. Snipes had been ordered the day before to surrender by June 3 in order to begin serving a three-year prison sentence for failing to file income tax returns for 1999, 200 and 2001.

Hodges wrote that he was “dubious” of Snipes’ appeal arguments, reports Reuters, but agreed to grant the 45-year-old a few more days of freedom, noting that there were small chances of him fleeing or posing danger to the community.

Hodges also said Snipes could easily serve his entire sentence before a decision could be reached on his appeal.

In arguments for bail, Snipes’ lawyers wrote their client was “actively engaged in resolving his liabilities with the IRS civilly” and a meeting with the agency had been scheduled for next week.

Snipes had been indicted on federal tax evasion charges. The jury acquitted him on three of the six misdemeanors. He was convicted of three misdemeanor counts of failure to file income taxes and received a maximum three-year prison sentence on April 24.

That same day, Snipes wrote the government $5 million in checks, trying to convince the judge he only deserved home detention and public service announcements.

Prosecutors said the “Blade” trilogy actor had earned more than $38 million since 1999, but had filed no tax returns or paid any taxes. They called Snipes a “notorious” and “inveterate” offender who would set a bad example should he walk away unpunished.

Snipes co-defendants Douglas P. Rosile and Eddie Ray Kahn were convicted of the felony fraud and conspiracy counts that the actor escaped. Each carries up to five years in prison.

Via efluxmedia.com