Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Auto Mogul James Pflueger Back in Court on Tax Fraud Charges

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: March 15, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

Retired automobile magnate James “Jimmy” Pflueger will return to federal court on tax law violations that include several counts of tax fraud.

Pflueger is being accused of using business assets for personal gain, falsely reporting his income on his tax returns in Hawaii and California, and hiding his assets overseas. The 86-year-old allegedly misconstrued the profits he made on the sale of his San Diego, California, commercial property in order to secure more funding for legal judgments in an unrelated court case. Further, prosecutors argue that he also lied about payments made from his business, Pflueger Inc., that were used to cover personal expenses between 2003 and 2006.

The case may involve complex and sophisticated methods of prosecution due to a number of witness on both sides of the dispute, according to the Hawaii Reporter. For example, Pflueger’s estranged wife, Nancy testified that her husband paid all of her personal expenses after her bills were sent to the car dealerships – either Pflueger Acura or Pflueger Honda. She also testified that Pflueger had their joint tax returns prepared without her knowledge or signature on them, according to the news source. As a result of these allegations, the court is considering calling in a handwriting expert to determine if the returns were forged.

Jimmy Pflueger has plead not guilty to the charges, and claims that his accountant and dealership committed the tax crimes without his knowledge or participation. However, some family members and people close to the retired auto dealer – such as Pflueger’s son, Charles Alan, who runs the family business – have already pleaded guilty to similar charges, the newspaper reports. As a result, this may hurt Pflueger’s claims of innocence.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Guardianships in New Jersey: When a Loved One Can No Longer Manage Personal or Financial Affairs post image

Guardianships in New Jersey: When a Loved One Can No Longer Manage Personal or Financial Affairs

When a family member can no longer make important decisions for themself, the question is often not whether the family will step in, but whether they have the legal authority to do so. A spouse may manage household finances, or an adult child may arrange medical care and pay bills. Still, informal assistance does not […]

Author: Marc J. Comer

Link to post with title - "Guardianships in New Jersey: When a Loved One Can No Longer Manage Personal or Financial Affairs"
New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments post image

New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments

New Jersey residential developers with affordable housing obligations should carefully review their existing approvals, development agreements, and proposed deed restrictions in light of the State’s revised UHAC regulations (Uniform Housing Affordability Controls). The regulations, which took effect on November 6, 2025, significantly change the administration and physical requirements for affordable housing units. For developers with […]

Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga

Link to post with title - "New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments"
“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy post image

“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy

A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]

Author: Sean M. Pena

Link to post with title - "“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy"
Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders post image

Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders

Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]

Author: Nicholas Wall

Link to post with title - "Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders"
Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer post image

Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer

A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]

Author: Jay McDaniel

Link to post with title - "Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer"
Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know post image

Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know

When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]

Author: John D. Giampolo

Link to post with title - "Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.
“If you would like to submit a file, please email it directly to info@sh-law.com.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!