A federal jury acquitted Helio Castroneves of most charges in his tax fraud trial. After a long week of deliberations, the Miami jury declared the Brazilian unguilty of tax evasion. The verdict allows Castroneves to resume his IndyCar Series duties with Team Penske.
The Miami court verdict brings an end to a six-week trial. Castroneves, his sister/manager and his attorney had been accused of tax evasion and conspiracy. The three had supposedly failed to declare several million dollars of sponsorship deals and other income between 1999 and 2004. If convicted, the three faced a prison sentence of over six years.
The jury had deliberated on the charges for a week. The delay was caused by the jury's lack of comprehension of the complicated U.S. tax law, which required several clarifications. On Friday, the jury finally found the Castroneves and co. unguilty on tax evasion, yet hung on the conspiracy charge.
The verdicts means that Castroneves is free to return to the IndyCar Series. The Brazilian, last year's runner-up in the championship, has not raced since the Surfers Paradise race last year. In the meantime, Australian Will Power was appointed as his temporary replacement in the number three car.
However, Penske already indicated Helio will return to his familiar ride for the season. It is expected Castroneves will aready be back for this weekend's race at Long Beach, even though free practice is already underway. Penske will field a third car for Power for this weekend and the Indy 500. It is unclear whether the Australian will compete in any other races this season.
(fc)
Written: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:35:01
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