A convicted Akron businessman who was caught trying to run an income tax business while imprisoned was granted a release, placed on strict probation and ordered to tell all future clients of his crimes.
Summit County Common Pleas Judge Christine Croce also ordered Ronald Conte to pay $2,500 a month in restitution.
But before granting Conte release after serving approximately 20 months, Croce told him, “You, in my opinion, are a master manipulator.” The judge told Conte that he must follow all rules, and not make them up himself for his five years of probation. Croce said if she heard that Conte did not follow the rules, she would put him back in jail for the remainder of his 59-month sentence with no chance for early release.
Conte, 58, of Akron was sentenced in May 2015 after being found guilty of charges that he collected taxes from local businesses for whom he did payroll, but did not forward the money to local, state and federal agencies. He was ordered to pay $558,102 in restitution to the 38 companies involved. Victims have not yet received any money.
Separately, Conte also ran an income tax preparation business.
In August, Conte’s attorney withdrew his client’s request for early release after Croce made it clear how she felt about the request.
Last spring, questions arose about whether Conte was involved in his former Akron Income Tax business on Waterloo Road. Conte sold the business and is involved in a separate civil case brought on by some of his payroll tax victims.
Conte’s attorney in the civil case has insisted that Conte was not involved in the business and that business cards displayed on the counter during tax season, letters sent out with Conte’s name and Conte’s name appearing on prepared tax returns were mistakes and quickly remedied.
Victim complaints about Conte’s possible involvement in the spring led to disciplinary actions by the Richland Correctional Institution against Conte, including 10 days in “disciplinary housing,” 90 days of email and visitation restrictions and a security review.
Additionally, phone calls between Conte and his wife were questioned since it appeared they were talking in “code” about the business, the judge has said.
On Tuesday, a few of Conte’s victims asked the judge not to release the businessman.
Paulette Snyder, co-owner of Canal Fulton Canoe Livery, said many of the business owners not only have had to deal with their losses from Conte’s theft, but health problems caused by stress.
“We’re all fighting to keep a business alive. We’re struggling just to stay afloat. We’re still battling with the IRS,” Snyder said, a few feet from Conte, who continued to stare straight ahead. “He’s asking for leniency, and he can come in front of you. Where do we go for leniency?”
Snyder’s business lost nearly $10,000 to Conte.
Conte’s attorney, Joel Reed, asked the judge to allow Conte to “prove he can lead a law-abiding life.”
When the judge asked if he had any comment, Conte said, “It’s been a long 20 months, your honor. I know that some of the clients have been damaged financially, and I know it’s my responsibility to try to make them whole.”
Conte, through his attorney, initially expressed concern that he could make $2,500 a month to repay the victims.
Croce said she would reconsider the amount if Conte could show the probation officer there was an issue.
Summit County Assistant Prosecutor Colleen Sims also asked Croce if she would order that Conte disclose all of his assets.
“I don’t know what equity he has in his home. I’m sure it would be of interest if he has a half-million in real estate assets and can’t provide the money. I think the probation officer should know that,” Sims said.
Reed initially expressed reservation, saying there are at least 11 civil lawsuits against Conte, but Conte leaned over to Reed and told him he’d be willing to disclose his assets.
Croce told the victims in the court that while she recognized there were some who did not want him released, she must consider what would be best for all victims.
Conte will be able to prepare income tax returns, but will be prohibited from practicing or conducting business having to do with payroll taxes while under probation.
After the hearing, Sims said it was difficult to say if she was pleased with the release since the majority of the victims did not favor release, but some victims wanted Conte released so he could begin repaying them.
“I am happy with the conditions and that he was given the maximum period of community control [probation],” Sims said.
Snyder said she doesn’t see Conte disclosing to future clients that he’s been convicted or that he will follow the rules.
“Somehow, somewhere he’ll trip up,” she said.
Another victim, Tim Freeman, owner of Altima Tan, who lost about $2,500 and was going through chemotherapy treatments during the time Conte stole from him, said, “I hope he keeps his nose clean to pay some back. He hurt a lot of businesses and families.”
Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724 or blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow her @blinfisherABJ on Twitter or www.facebook.com/BettyLinFisherABJ and see all her stories at www.ohio.com/betty