Crime & Safety

Former Eagle William James Pleads Guilty to Tax Charge

The nine-year pro cornerback admitted to not filing tax returns on his $9.2 million NFL salary from 2005 to 2009.

A former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back admitted in Camden federal court Wednesday he intentionally failed to file federal income tax returns on five years' worth of NFL salary, and now faces a hefty fine and as much as a year in prison.

Pleading guilty before U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle, William James, 32, formerly known as William Peterson Jr., admitted to deliberately ignoring his obligations on roughly $9.2 million in salary.

According to court documents, James, who now lives in Woodland Park, NJ, ignored advice from his accountant and financial team between 2005 and 2008, who repeatedly told him via telephone, in person and in writing of his obligation to file tax returns.

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James, who told his advisers at the time he'd sent the information, admitted in court he ignored that advice, and that he failed to send the necessary items to file his returns.

The IRS took steps to try to notify James, as well, sending certified letters and actually visiting his Passaic County home between March 2008 and August 2009 to hand-deliver notices.

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Court documents also show they also sent 20 automated notices between March 2007 and December 2009, one of which James passed along to his accountant, but otherwise ignored.

In a career that spanned from 2001 through 2010, James played for the Eagles, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.

The charge to which James pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, or twice the gain resulting from the offense or twice the loss to any victim.


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