Ronald Isley Indicted For Tax Evasion
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Edited By Jonathan Cohen. October 15, 2004, 10:45 AM ET


Ronald Isley, lead singer of the legendary R&B act the Isley Brothers, has been indicted on tax evasion charges, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The 63-year-old artist, who suffered a minor stroke in August, was named in a six-count indictment returned Wednesday (Oct. 13) by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. He is charged with five counts of tax evasion for failing to report income from royalties and performances by the band and one count of failing to file an income tax return.

No figure was given for the amount of the alleged tax evasion but the charges carry a maximum penalty of 26 years in prison. Isley could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Isley Brothers formed in the early 1950s and enjoyed their biggest success in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like their cover of "Twist and Shout," "This Old Heart of Mine" and "Who's That Lady." Members came and went, but in 1990 Ronald and his younger brothers Ernie and Marvin reunited and produced several new albums.

The indictment against Ronald Isley covers 1997-2002 and alleges that he evaded payment by depositing and using for his own benefit royalty checks issued to other Isley Brothers-related entities and members of the band, including his brother O'Kelly, who died in 1986.

While on tour, Isley required that half his fee be paid in cash on each tour date and that he paid his musicians and performances in cash, the IRS said.

Isley is alleged to have controlled several bank accounts, and to have told his booking agent to send part of his tour performance fees directly to third parties for his own benefit.

The IRS said Isley used some of the money from his various accounts to buy a yacht, a $1.8-million house in St. Louis in 1997 and a 100-acre estate in Missouri for approximately $1 million.

An IRS spokesperson said Isley had not filed an income tax return between 1997 and 2001, which made it difficult for authorities to determine either his income or how much tax may have been avoided.

Isley is expected to make his first court appearance regarding the charges early next month.



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[Edited 10/15/04 10:56am]

say what?

damn!

What the hell was Isley thinking? Damn! Once the IRS is on your ass, you can forget it!

stupid!

JANFAN4L said:

For real.

On a side note--for some reason I though O'Kelly died in the early nineties?

uPtoWnNY said:

Ain't that the truth. He needs to take a lesson from Willie Nelson on how to handle this situation. It's sad to her that Mr. Bigs has to sell his stick. One thing about it, taxes can hunt you alive or dead if you don't get you situation straight.

when will people learn that you can only fuck with the irs for so long? as long as ron has been in the business-he should have known better. and seeing how he is a celeb and makes all of that money, he should know that were gonna figure it out if he doesn't file a tax return.

Hate to say this, but if he passes away, the IRS is going to come and take EVERYTHING -- just like they did Sammy Davis, Jr. Isley's children and family will be left with nill.

The IRS does not play.

JANFAN4L said:

You said it. I'll never understand why so many celebrities & athletes screw up when it comes to taxes. Don't they know Uncle Sam's going to get his one way or another. It's a shame that the families get stuck with the tab.

uPtoWnNY said:

If he has a good attorney, he may be over to work out a deal like Willie Nelson(some properties,royaties going to IRS. Of course, the government may not be so generous considering that Ron is not a redneck like Willie.

GODDAMN

Wasn't Peabo Bryson enough already?

When will those mofos eva learn?

Harlepolis said:

when a person is greedy they never learn.

Oh no.