The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced today that a Jefferson County resident has been indicted for tax evasion.

The defendant was identified as Ricky D. Pitre, 52, of 23277 County Route 59 in Watertown, NY.

Pitre was arraigned in Albany County Supreme Court October 29 before Judge Steven Herrick on an indictment charging him with five felonies. The charges included Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree, Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, and Grand Larceny in the Third Degree.

Pitre, a past-president of the Bethel Point Foundation in Annville, PA, who now identifies his employment as a cab driver in the Watertown area, allegedly underreported his earnings on his personal income tax to New York State while a resident of the State by a total of $150,000 for the years 2011 and 2012, and by doing so received undeserved tax refunds exceeding $30,000.

If convicted, Pitre faces up to seven years in state prison. His next court appearance has been scheduled for November 5.

A criminal complaint is an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division in Albany and is being prosecuted by the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau of the New York State Office of the Attorney General.

In New York State, 96% of taxes are paid by businesses and individuals who voluntarily meet their tax responsibilities. The remaining 4% is collected through the Tax Department's audit, collections and criminal investigations programs. Through its enforcement programs, the Department ensures fair tax administration for all New Yorkers.