May 22 (Reuters) – A former corporate lawyer at two large U.S. law firms pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges stemming from his failure to pay federal income taxes.
Eric Lenzen, 44, pleaded guilty in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, federal court to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his income taxes for 2016 and 2020.
He has admitted, opens new tab to owing more than $3.9 million in unpaid taxes, interest and accrued penalties.
Attorneys for Lenzen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Federal prosecutors said in Lenzen’s plea agreement that they will recommend up to 16 months in prison, and that Lenzen will pay more than $3.9 million in restitution. Sentencing in the case is set for Sept. 17.
A spokesperson for the Milwaukee U.S. Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the details of Lenzen’s case.
Lenzen during the tax years in question was a partner and led the financial services and capital markets group at nearly 1,100-lawyer law firm Husch Blackwell.
After Lenzen left the firm in January 2022 for rival firm Dykema Gossett, Husch Blackwell told Reuters that Lenzen had been terminated after first being placed on leave the prior year “to address his financial, tax and personal problems.”
Husch Blackwell chair Joe Glynias and a spokesperson for the firm did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.
Dykema said in a statement to Reuters Wednesday that Lenzen left the firm last month “prior to the firm’s knowledge of the personal tax-related misdemeanor charges recently filed against Mr. Lenzen.”
Dykema said it had no statement on Lenzen’s personal matters.
The case is United States v. Lenzen, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Milwaukee, 2:24-cr-00090
For U.S.: Julie Stewart of the U.S. Attorney’s Office
For Eric Lenzen: Kathleen Quinn and Matthew McLaughlin of Zetley Law Offices
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