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United States of America v. Steven T. Loo
Date: 07-14-2025
Case Number:
Judge:
Court: The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Seattle
Defendant's Attorney: Click Here For The Best Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory
Description:
Seattle real estate owner convicted at trial for tax fraud scheme
A 69-year-old Seattle real estate owner was convicted late last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle of six counts of tax evasion and six counts of making false tax returns, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Steven T. Loo will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on October 9, 2025.
According to records in the case and testimony at trial, Loo had an ownership interest in, and operated multiple commercial real estate properties, in western Washington and California. Loo hired property management companies to manage the properties. Loo had the property management companies send profits from the properties to two bank accounts he controlled. Loo spent this money for his benefit and that of his family and friends, and also re-invested funds in various businesses he controlled. However, Loo did not declare that income -- over $4.7 million -- on his tax returns. Loo used shell companies and repeated transfers of funds to conceal the income from the IRS.
At trial, the government presented evidence detailing the eight properties operated by Loo via various limited liability companies (LLCs). The income from the LLCs was funneled into bank accounts associated with two specific inactive entities that were established in Washington in 1999. Loo did not report this income to the IRS. Loo failed to inform his tax return preparer of these funds that were income from his properties.
In closing arguments Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite told the jury, "Mr. Loo was strategic - he was deceptive – and he was incredibly profitable.... This isn't a mistake. This isn't forgetfulness. This isn't sloppiness. This is strategic. It is deceptive. And its willful.... It's criminal. Mr. Loo made 4.7 million dollars. He reported negative income. That feels wrong because it is wrong. No one wants to pay taxes, but nurses, firefighters, and teachers all pay them. Mr. Loo needs to pay his share well.â€
The jury deliberated about 7 hours before finding Loo guilty of the six counts of tax evasion and six counts of making and subscribing to a false tax return.
Each count of tax evasion is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment. Making and subscribing to a false tax retuning is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge King after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Sean Waite for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Department of Justice Tax Division.
Seattle, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with six counts of tax evasion and six counts of making false tax returns
Seattle real estate owner convicted at trial for tax fraud scheme
A 69-year-old Seattle real estate owner was convicted late last week in U.S. District Court in Seattle of six counts of tax evasion and six counts of making false tax returns, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Steven T. Loo will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on October 9, 2025.
According to records in the case and testimony at trial, Loo had an ownership interest in, and operated multiple commercial real estate properties, in western Washington and California. Loo hired property management companies to manage the properties. Loo had the property management companies send profits from the properties to two bank accounts he controlled. Loo spent this money for his benefit and that of his family and friends, and also re-invested funds in various businesses he controlled. However, Loo did not declare that income -- over $4.7 million -- on his tax returns. Loo used shell companies and repeated transfers of funds to conceal the income from the IRS.
At trial, the government presented evidence detailing the eight properties operated by Loo via various limited liability companies (LLCs). The income from the LLCs was funneled into bank accounts associated with two specific inactive entities that were established in Washington in 1999. Loo did not report this income to the IRS. Loo failed to inform his tax return preparer of these funds that were income from his properties.
In closing arguments Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite told the jury, "Mr. Loo was strategic - he was deceptive – and he was incredibly profitable.... This isn't a mistake. This isn't forgetfulness. This isn't sloppiness. This is strategic. It is deceptive. And its willful.... It's criminal. Mr. Loo made 4.7 million dollars. He reported negative income. That feels wrong because it is wrong. No one wants to pay taxes, but nurses, firefighters, and teachers all pay them. Mr. Loo needs to pay his share well.â€
The jury deliberated about 7 hours before finding Loo guilty of the six counts of tax evasion and six counts of making and subscribing to a false tax return.
Each count of tax evasion is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment. Making and subscribing to a false tax retuning is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge King after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Sean Waite for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Department of Justice Tax Division.
Outcome:
Steven T. Loo will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on October 9, 2025.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Steven T. Loo?
The outcome was: Steven T. Loo will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on October 9, 2025.
Which court heard United States of America v. Steven T. Loo?
This case was heard in The United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, WA.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Steven T. Loo?
Plaintiff's attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office for Seattle. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Seattle, Washington Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Steven T. Loo decided?
This case was decided on July 14, 2025.