“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>Well, it’s off to Memphis for former East St. Louis City Councilman Michael Collins. No, Collins won’t be visiting Graceland, but he will be on an extended, all-inclusive, 50-month vacation, courtesy of U.S. District Judge William Stiehl and the federal government.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>That was the sentence that Judge Stiehl imposed on Collins as the result of years of criminal activity, tax evasion and ingratitude for leniency shown during previous convictions for election fraud in 2006 and 2008.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Collins’ offenses were extensive. He failed to file federal income tax returns for 13 years and didn’t file state returns for 22 years. He used a fake address for the purpose of voting in ESL elections while living in Swansea, IL.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>But it didn’t stop there. Not even the dead were safe from Collins’ criminality, as he used the social security number of one dead man, operated a business without an employment ID number and, by his own admission, co-mingled his bank accounts.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The sentence was on the high end of the federal sentencing guidelines, which Collins’ attorney Robert Stientjes pointed out.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>However, Judge Stiehl justified his decision by stating to Collins, “From the evidence in this case, it’s clear and convincing that you’ve been milking our system of government for a long period of time. You failed to file or pay taxes over a long period until you learned that you had been found out.”
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>In addition, after serving prison time, Collins must not seek nor hold public office during his three years of supervised release.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>It is a fitting chastisement and punishment for one who apparently had little or no regard for legalities or for individuals (living or dead), irrespective of Collins’ apology to family and friends.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>And in the days following his sentencing (and prior to his incarceration), Collins learned the true meaning of “restitution” when the feds forced the former high roller to surrender construction equipment and personal vehicles as partial restitution for the $342,375.14 that Collins was forced to repay to the IRS. After all, Mike won’t need luxury or recreational vehicles behind bars.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>So the government cleaned-up, collecting a Cadillac Escalade, BMW 745i, Ford F-350 pick-up, a Takeuchi semi truck, Kenworth semi-truck and Kobelco 300 excavator.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>So if you’d like to ride in style or need some heavy-duty yard work done, look up the next federal auction near you, courtesy of Uncle Mike.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>I know that I’m making light of a reprehensible situation, but it is a fitting (and comical) end to the criminal career (for now) of one who should have been made an example of some time ago. If it dissuades only one individual from pursuing the lifestyle that Michael Collins lived, then it is well worth the efforts of the government and folks (like me) who simply report the obvious.
“font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.
