Man Pleads Guilty in Texas to $133M Tax Fraud

A businessman who handled payroll and insurance programs for some South Texas groups has pleaded guilty in a $133 million tax fraud case.

Federal prosecutors in San Antonio say 61-year-old Charles Pircher pleaded guilty Thursday to tax fraud conspiracy and mail fraud conspiracy. No sentencing date was immediately set for Pircher, who faces up to 25 years in prison.

Pircher is the fifth person to plead guilty over stealing money meant for payroll taxes and other government services. A sixth person awaits trial.

Pircher from 2002 to 2008 managed some Professional Employer Organizations based in San Antonio.

U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman says Pircher cheated clients and taxpayers for years in a scheme to divert funds for personal use.