A Surgeon's Shocking Secret Revealed in Divorce
Dr. Michael Brandner, a once-respected plastic surgeon from Anchorage, Alaska, found himself at the center of a dramatic legal battle when his divorce proceedings revealed a web of deceit involving millions of dollars. Brandner's legal troubles serve as a humbling reminder of the consequences of trying to outsmart the system.
Evasive Measures
In late 2007, Dr. Brandner's wife of 28 years, Sheila, filed for divorce. That's when Bradner, 67 at the time, devised a simple yet daring scheme to keep his assets hidden from his soon-to-be ex-wife. How? By moving millions of dollars in cash and valuable assets to Central America.
First, he quietly left the country, driving from Tacoma, Washington to Costa Rica, where he opened bank accounts and deposited $350,000 in cash. He also stashed 1,000 ounces of gold in a safe deposit box — but this was just the beginning of his effort to conceal his wealth.
Panama and the Phantom Corporation
Brandner's next stop was Panama, where he opened an account under a fake company named Dakota Investments. By 2008, he had deposited $4.6 million into this account, further distancing his assets from the scrutiny of U.S. authorities and his wife's attorneys.
During the divorce proceedings, Brandner falsely claimed that he could not convert these investments into cash until 2013, even presenting a fake promissory note to convince the court he had invested millions in this foreign corporation.
Exposing Brandner's Hidden Wealth
In 2011, after the divorce was finalized, Brandner attempted to repatriate the $4.6 million from Panama. However, his plan hit a major snag when Homeland Security Investigations agents seized the funds. Brandner was charged with multiple counts of wire fraud and tax evasion.
On Nov. 4, 2015, a jury found Brandner guilty of four counts of wire fraud and three counts of tax evasion. The prosecution argued that Brandner's actions were not just an attempt to avoid paying his ex-wife but also a blatant disregard for federal tax laws. He owed the IRS $600,000 in back taxes for the years 2008 to 2010.
Sentencing and Fallout
On March 7, 2016, Dr. Michael Brandner faced sentencing. The federal court determined that he should serve four years in prison, a lenient sentence compared to the 95 years he could have faced under the maximum statutory penalties. Judge Sharon Gleason considered Brandner's age and health issues when deciding his sentence.
Brandner's ex-wife, Sheila, was the only person who spoke in his defense, arguing that he was trying to protect their family. But prosecutors and the court emphasized the impact of his deceitful actions and in addition to prison time, Brandner was ordered to pay $26,000 in legal fees and $500,000 in additional taxes.
Lessons Learned
Dr. Michael Brandner's case is a compelling example of how complex financial schemes and deceitful practices can lead to severe legal consequences. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of honesty in both personal and financial matters. The fallout from his actions highlights the scrutiny and potential consequences that come with attempting to evade legal responsibilities.
References: Surgeon Hid Money In Divorce, Is Convicted Of Tax Evasion, Faces Up To 95 Years Prison | Anchorage surgeon gets 4 years for hiding millions from divorce court | Alaska Plastic Surgeon Convicted of Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion
