NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Louisiana, Eastern), published as received.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EARL SCHMIT (“SCHMIT), age 75, of Metairie, Louisiana was charged on July 13, 2026, by bill of information with making false statements to IRS Special Agents, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

If convicted, SCHMIT faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years, a fine of up to $100,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following his release from prison, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

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