REHOBOTH, Del. - Photographer Kevin Fleming from Lewes, Del. was sentenced to one year in federal prison for tax evasion.
Fleming pled guilty for tax evasion on Aug. 26 2020. The U.S. Department of Justice reported, at the time of his plea, Fleming had not filed federal income tax returns or paid any taxes since 1981.
In addition to one year in federal prison, Fleming's sentence includes paying $192,529 restitution to the IRS for income taxes from 2002 through 2016. Also, he was sentenced to pay restitution to the IRS of $22,584 in payroll taxes which were withheld from his former employees.
A statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice stated Fleming had the money to pay his federal income taxes for years. According to court documents, his total net income was $393,000. It was noted Fleming lived beyond his mean, spending a total of $75,000 in restaurants/bars and $2,350 monthly on rent for his home in Lewes.
Fleming once owned an art gallery on Rehoboth avenue known as 'Kevin Fleming Gallery.'
Neighbors of Fleming's former gallery were surprised to hear of the artist's sentencing.
"I was disappointed when I heard about it," George Carter employee at E.C. Shades said." He seemed like a very popular and local employer. Ya know, its a shame when someone local that you respected and ya know were in their store and liked it and they take a fall."
Manager of Creation impressions, Susan Korwek, said Fleming was once an inspiration to her son and many local photographers.
"I mean he was such an iconic person in Rehoboth Beach and everyone who is into photography new of his work and him," Korwek said. "And it is kind of a shame."
Kevin Fleming was very well-known in both Sussex County and nationally. He is known for his photographs in National Geographic magazine, as well as his twenty plus photography books.
For information and details on Flemings sentencing and court proceedings, click here.
