For Helio Castroneves, The Case Is Like A Race Against The Internal Revenue Service
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Oct 08, 2008
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Race car driver and “ Dancing With the Stars” winner Helio Castroneves pleaded not guilty Friday to federal tax evasion charges and declared outside the courtroom that he would treat the case like a race against the Internal Revenue Service.
“I’m a race car driver,” the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner said. “This is a very difficult situation. I’ll be strong, and I’ll win this race.”
Castroneves, 33, spoke after his release on $10-million bail following a court appearance in which he was shackled in handcuffs and leg chains and was visibly weeping into a wad of white tissue.
Before leaving for the airport, Castroneves acknowledged it had been an “emotional day.”
“It’s been a long day,” he said. “I am not guilty.”
Castroneves was indicted Thursday on charges of conspiracy to defraud the government and six counts of tax evasion for failing to report the income from 1999 to 2004. Each count carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Also facing charges are his sister and former business manager, Kati Castroneves, and Alan R. Miller, an attorney based in Birmingham, Mich. Kati Castroneves and Miller did not enter pleas but were released on bail of $2 million and $250,000, respectively.
His lawyer, Mark Seiden, said Castroneves would leave on Friday for a weekend race in Atlanta.
He will be allowed to travel in the United States for work, but cannot leave the country.
“It is particularly pernicious when individuals with access to offshore accounts use that to avoid paying taxes,” Miami-based US Attorney Alexander Acosta said.
Seiden said Castroneves didn’t knowingly violate any laws.
“Mr. Castroneves is a professional racing driver. He relied on the advice of tax lawyers and accountants in doing his tax planning,” Seiden said.
“It is our position that he has not violated any laws and that he relied upon their advice in good faith.”
UPDATE: October 10, 2008 09:32 am
Out on $10 million bail after he was indicted 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, the “Dancing with the Stars” champion was in suburban Atlanta for the American Le Mans Series Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
Not only was he back on track, but he was back in the winner’s circle, as well.
Castroneves and teammate Ryan Briscoe outpaced the rest of the cars to finish first in the Le Mans Prototype 2 Class, while Allan McNish, Rinaldo Capello and Emanuele Pirro teamed to win the P1 and overall titles in an Audi.
“It has been a difficult two days, but to finish first, it turned out to be a good day,” Castroneves said. “It was a great day, and we’re going to continue to move forward.”
Castroneves didn’t think that his legal woes were a distraction, if anything, racing helped him forget about everything.
“When you’re out in the car you’re the only one,” he said. “That was perfect for me. ... The fans kept me going. They gave me an immense amount of support. I was very touched.”
As for the impending legal battle, Castroneves said he’ll fight it like it’s his job.
“This problem is like a race,” he said. “And we’re going to win.”
Helio Castroneves is asking a Miami judge to change his bail conditions on tax charges so he can compete in a race in Australia.
The race car driver and 2007 “Dancing With The Stars” champ is barred by a court order from leaving the country. A judge scheduled a hearing Friday afternoon on Castroneves’ request to change that so he can drive in the Oct. 26 race.
