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Delaware County Dentist Convicted Of Failing To Pay Federal Taxes

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Newtown Square, Delaware County dentist, who told a jury he didn't think he had to pay federal taxes, has been convicted of failing to pay taxes, obstruction and other charges.

Federal prosecutor Joan Burnes says Richard Kaufman has not filed or paid taxes since the early 1990's. He treated the process like a game, a scam.

"His position was that he had a good faith, honest, subjectively held belief that, unlike everybody else, he didn't to have to pay federal income taxes and that is why he didn't file," Burnes said. "The jury determined that defense had no merit and that like everybody else, nobody likes to pay our federal income taxes, but it is our duty under the law."

Burnes argued Kaufman should be taken into custody immediately, because he's a threat to flee, in part because he had argued previously the court had no jurisdiction over him. The judge ordered him taken into custody and Kaufman was cuffed and taken away. Prosecutors say he faces about three years behind bars.

Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060

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