Appeals court upholds tax evader's sentence

A federal appeals court has affirmed the tax evasion conviction of a former millionaire who became a tax protester.

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday also rejected Robert Beale's claim that his 11-year, two-month sentence was unreasonable.

Beale was once CEO of Comtrol Corp., a computer parts company in Maple Grove. Prosecutors alleged he hid more than $5 million in income to avoid more than $1.6 million in taxes. He fled after he was charged in 2006 and was captured in Florida after 14 months on the run.

The appeals court rejected Beale's claims that there was insufficient evidence. It also rejected his claim that his trial judge should have recused herself because his efforts to intimidate her compromised her impartiality.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.