Castroneves enters not guilty plea on tax evasion charges
“It’s been a long day. It’s been an emotional day, obviously,” he said. “I am not guilty.”
With that, Castroneves hopped into a waiting car and headed for a flight to Atlanta to participate in this weekend’s Petit Le Mans race. Terms of Castroneves’ release allow him to travel for work in the United States but not abroad, meaning he likely will miss a race later this month in Australia, said his attorney, Mark Seiden.
A grand jury Thursday indicted Castroneves on charges of conspiracy and six counts of tax evasion for purportedly failing to report to the IRS about $5.5 million in income between 1999 and 2004, according to court documents. Each count carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Also facing charges are Katiucia Castroneves, the driver’s sister and business manager, and attorney Alan R. Miller of Birmingham. They did not enter pleas Friday but were ordered released on bail of $2 million and $250,000, respectively.
Another Castroneves attorney, David Garvin, said he was disappointed the tax dispute could not be resolved without criminal charges.
“Helio has always done the appropriate thing and hired accountants and attorneys he relied upon,” Garvin said. “We are of the strong belief that he did not do anything wrong. We’re looking forward to going to court.”