Former Corporate Counsel from Morris County Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

John Goggins faces potential consecutive prison terms after failing to file tax returns on over $54 million in income.

John Goggins, a 63-year-old resident of Chatham, New Jersey, and former general counsel for a major publicly traded corporation, has admitted to willfully failing to file federal income tax returns. This plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court on April 25, 2024, encompassing tax years from 2018 to 2021.

During his tenure as a senior vice president and general counsel, Goggins accumulated a total gross income of $54 million. This income comprised wages, restricted stock awards, nonqualified stock options, as well as earnings from interest, dividends, and stock sales. Despite this substantial income, Goggins neglected to file his federal income tax returns for the specified period.

The charges against Goggins include four counts of willful failure to file tax returns, with each count carrying a maximum potential penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Notably, these fines could be doubled based on the gross gain or loss from the offense, and the prison sentences for each count may be served consecutively.

Sentencing for Goggins is scheduled for September 6, 2024. The case has drawn considerable attention due to Goggins' high-profile role and the substantial income involved.

The investigation was spearheaded by IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the leadership of Acting Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae D. Gray of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark and Trial Attorney Kenneth Vert of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, demonstrating the seriousness with which federal authorities are addressing tax evasion among high-earning individuals.