Blade De-Toothed

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has accomplished what no vampire could do - bring down the famous Day-walker. Actor Wesley Snipes, who appeared as the famous vampire hunter in the “Blade” movie trilogy, as well as a number of high profile action films, was found guilty on Friday on three misdemeanors for failing to file his U.S. tax return on more than one occurrance.

Snipes could have faced upwards to 16 years in prison, but it is more likely the judge will slap him behind bars for 3 years.

According to the prosecution Snipes failed to pay an unspecified sum in back-taxes for the years covering 1999-2004.

Snipes’ defense rested on his statement that he was waiting for the IRS to answer his inquiries about the need to file those returns and stated that he was always “ready to pay and file.”

Snipes alleged that he never received any kind of legal response from the government tax agency and sought them on many occasions to hold a conference, answer his appeals and even willingly submit to an official audit. Snipes is a known anti-tax activist. The IRS claims he was simply using these kinds of delay tactics to use his well known name to confront the agency in a press war.

Snipes, who thinks he won, left the courtroom smiling and telling reporters that he was pleased with the verdict. “It does feel good,” Snipes replied to statements about his possible sentence. “It feels great.” You have to wonder how jubilant he would have been had he escaped possible jail time instead of spending a few years at the gray-bar hotel.

Snipes’ lawyer reiterated on Friday that the actor is “committed to making all the amends he’s required to do. The jury determined there was no fraudulent attempt and it was a great day,”

“Filing tax returns is not optional. It is a legal requirement,” stated prosecutor Robert O’Neill. “Mr. Snipes now faces up to three years in a federal prison for his willful failure to comply with the law.”

Formal sentencing will take place at some future date.