TAX NEWS - June 2010

Hollywood Eye Doc Faces New Federal Tax Charges

FT. LAUDERDALE -- A prominent Hollywood eye doctor with a number of high powered political connections, already facing federal fraud charges files last year, has been indicted on 5 new tax counts. Alan Mendelsohn, 52, pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning.

Mendelsohn was indicted for allegedly filing false federal tax returns and with trying to obstruct the IRS investigation. Prosecutors claim he failed to report income from his medical practice and other sources on tax returns between 2003 to 2006.

Mendelsohn was previously indicted on 27 counts of mail and wire fraud, and with 5 counts of lying to federal agents.

Prosecutors claim he raised more than $2 million for lobbying and other services, but secretly diverted $350,000 for personal use. The indictment also says Mendelsohn falsely claimed he had bribed top state officials to thwart an investigation into a shady insurance company.

Mendelsohn is close to Gov. Charlie Crist and served on a governor's health policy panel.