Marydel couple pleads guilty to tax charges

WILMINGTON - A Marydel husband and wife pleaded guilty Tuesday to tax charges connected to their tree care and removal business, authorities said.

According to court documents, Donald Gilliss, 48, and Amy Gilliss, 41, owned and operated Arundel Tree Service in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and the surrounding area. For at least the past five years, U.S. Attorney David Weiss said, the couple operated Arundel as an off-the-books cash business, paying themselves and their employees in cash.

Mr. Weiss said the Gillisses cashed customer checks at a check-cashing service and deposited the proceeds into their personal bank account. They also operated an off-the-books cash payroll for Arundel employees, he said.

Despite making cash deposits totaling $2 million into their bank account, the Gillisses received an income tax refund from the IRS every year, according to the U.S. Attorney.

The Gillisses pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and face a maximum penalty of five years in prison when sentenced on Oct. 11. Judge Andrews will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.