Isley On Trial

After Ronald Isley‘s tax evasion trial kicked off October 12th, a former tour manager testified the singer asked that a portion of his performance fees be paid in “cash money.”

Prosecutors allege the Isley Brothers singer evaded income taxes by cashing in his deceased brother’s royalty checks, buying cars for his personal use with money from a business account and making under-the-table cash payments to his band members.

He is also accused of demanding cash for shows, making it difficult to determine how much of his upfront tour fees were used for expenses and how much was profit, according to Reuters.

Isley has reportedly pleaded innocent to five counts of tax evasion and one count of failing to file a tax return. No figure has been given for the amount of the alleged tax evasion.

If convicted, the 64-year-old singer could face up to 26 years in prison.

On cross-examination October 13th, former tour manager Ruby Martin, testifying under immunity, said she did not file her own taxes on time for several years and that she owes back taxes. Martin is said to have worked with the singer for eight years.

According to the indictment, Isley avoided paying taxes numerous times in the past three decades. He declared bankruptcy after the Internal Revenue Service seized his yacht, cars and other property in 1997.

Isley was discharged from bankruptcy four years later, but allegedly did not file tax returns from 1997 to 2001. In 2002, the singer did not sign his return and failed to pay all due taxes.