An Agoura Hills real estate developer was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison for failing to disclose on a bankruptcy petition that he had earned nearly $2.3 million in income and for failing to report almost $6.9 million in income on his tax returns, according to a DOJ press release. Mark Handel was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who also fined Handel $20,000 and ordered him to forfeit approximately $3,545,712, which represents the proceeds of the sale of real estate in Alameda County. Judge Wright also ordered Handel to pay the IRS approximately $1,618,836 in outstanding tax liabilities, including penalties and interest. Handel pleaded guilty on February 23 to one count of making a false statement in bankruptcy and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Prior to today’s hearing and pursuant to his plea agreement, Handel paid the IRS approximately $1,618,836 in outstanding tax liabilities, including penalties and interest.
