RIVERSIDE, CALIF.
A U.S. District Court judge ordered that James R. Vanderveldt be held without bond for allegedly filing a $10 million false lien against an IRS employee, claiming that the employee and his wife owned Vanderveldt money as a result of a debt, officials said today.
Vanderveldt is now facing up to 13 years in prison if found guilty of retaliation against a federal law enforcement officer by filing the bogus lien and obstruction of the administration of IRS laws, officials said.
The crimes took place in San Bernardino County, according to the indictment.
Vanderveldt was arrested last week by federal agents, and his trial is set for Jan. 12, officials said.
“The filing of fraudulent liens against government officials is more than harassment – it is a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Use of this tactic to intimidate or deter a public official from doing his or her duty will fail.” According to the indictment, Vanderveldt filed a false lien against the real and personal property of IRS employee “D.H.” that claimed the employee and D.H.’s spouse owed Vanderveldt $10 million. The false lien was allegedly filed in 2010 “on account of D.H.’s performance of his official duties.”
The court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf under the name of “John Doe” after he refused to enter a plea to the charges.
Vanderveldt is also charged in the indictment with “sending a false bill and other materials to the IRS employee” only identified as “D.H.” that referenced a $10 million debt.