SGF owner guilty of tax evasion

CLEARWATER — Craig Jackson, owner of Clearwater-based Superior Gourmet Foods Inc., pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion yesterday. Jackson filed a written plea with the U.S. Attorney's office for the Middle District of Florida.

Jackson evaded tax payments by depositing SGF cash receipts into his own personal bank account, instead of SGF's dedicated business account, a release from the U.S. Attorney's office explained. He then failed to report that income on either his personal or his corporate tax return.

Between 2004 and 2007, Jackson underreported his income and overstated his expenses by a combined $351,454.

By filing a written plea agreement with the state, the maximum penalty Jackson faces is a sentence of up to five years in federal prison.