Attorney General Becerra Announces Charges Against Business Owner for Alleged Tax Evasion Totaling More Than $1.6 Million

LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed felony tax evasion charges against Enyinnaya Ojogho in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The defendant allegedly owes more than $1.6 million in business taxes to the State of California. Ojogho, the owner and operator of several retail stores in Los Angeles selling soccer apparel and equipment, was arrested yesterday and charged with 44 counts of tax evasion.

“Tax evasion is a crime that causes economic harm to the State of California. Business owners who attempt to deceive authorities and avoid paying the taxes they owe are stealing vital funds from the state and public services,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The California Department of Justice is proud to work in partnership with the Franchise Tax Board and Employment Development Department to hold criminals accountable and protect the taxpayers and honest businesses of our state.”

Beginning in the 2006 tax year, Ojogho allegedly filed false returns to evade income tax and payroll tax. The Department of Justice, Franchise Tax Board, and Employment Development Department pursued the case in partnership as part of the Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement "TRaCE" Task Force. Ojogho faces 12 counts of Filing False Income Tax Return, 16 counts of Failure to File Tax Return, and 16 counts of Failure to Pay Tax. The defendant was also charged with two special allegations of taking in excess of $1,300,000 and white collar crime enhancement in excess of $500,000.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of the complaint is attached to the electronic version of this release at oag.ca.gov/news.