Ouch: Wesley Snipes Gets Three Years For Tax Convictions

Wesley Snipes hasn’t appeared in many theatrical movies since Blade 3 was released, and it looks like movie patrons are going to have to wait considerably longer to see the actor on the big screen.

Snipes was hit with the maximum penalty for failing to file tax returns and the judge sentenced the actor to three years in prison.  He did not file tax returns for the years of 1999-2001.

“I am an idealistic, naive, passionate, truth-seeking, spiritually motivated artist, unschooled in the science of law and finance,” the Demolition Man star said in his defense, as quoted by AP.

“One of the main purposes which drives selective prosecution in tax cases is deterrence,” said U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges, who handed down the sentence. “In some instances, that means those of celebrity stand greater risk of prosecution. But there’s nothing unusual about it, nor is there anything unlawful about it. It’s the way the system works.”