Dentist Sentenced in Chabad of Poway Fraud Case

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– Retired pediatric dentist Dr. Bruce Baker of San Diego was sentenced in federal court Monday to 15 months in custody for evading over $644,000 in taxes as part of a brazen, decade’s long tax-evasion scheme with former Chabad of Poway Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.

During Monday’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant noted that Dr. Baker is educated and sophisticated and committed the crime over a lengthy period of time. Judge Bashant agreed with the government’s position that an individual who commits a crime over an extended period of time should not avoid custody based solely on the ground that the perpetrator is now too infirm to serve a custodial sentence. Judge Bashant cited the need for general deterrence, saying, “It’s very important to send a message to the community that if you do something like this, you will spend some time in custody.” The judge ordered Baker to report to prison on July 28.

Source: Dentist Sentenced in Chabad of Poway Fraud Case / San Diego Jewish World

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