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Democratic aide pleads guilty to failing to file tax returns

WASHINGTON – A top aide to a Democratic congressman has pleaded guilty to wilfully failing to file individual income tax returns.

The Justice Department says in a statement issued Wednesday that Issac Lanier Avant failed to file timely returns between 2008 and 2013 despite earning more than $165,000 annually.

The website Legistorm lists Avant’s position as chief of staff to Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi. Thompson’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Justice Department says Avant filed returns in 2006 and 2007, but those filings each contained false deductions.

Sentencing is scheduled in January. Avant faces a statutory maximum sentence of one year in prison. As part of his plea agreement, Avant has agreed to pay a restitution of more than $153,000 to the IRS.

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