Jones' sentencing rescheduled; divorce trial on hold

U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert has rescheduled the sentencing of Rick Jones from May 7 to May 28 in Benton.

Jones, of Wood River, pleaded guilty to tax evasion in January. He admitted to dodging $1.2 million in 2003 taxes. He also admitted that he evaded a similar amount before and after 2003.

In the meantime, Jones had been scheduled for trial in a Madison County divorce case he filed against his wife, Dorothy Jones, on April 13, before Associate Judge Duane Bailey.

However, the parties were given additional time to reach a settlement, according to Bailey.

Jones faces up to five years in prison, but can earn a shorter stretch if he cooperates "fully" with the government, his plea agreement states.

On sentencing day, he is required to pay restitution of $1,207,415.82 to BP Amoco North America, on top of a promise to pay $2.4 million in federal income taxes for 2002 through 2005.

In his plea agreement, he stipulated that his company, Triad Industries, received money from BP Amoco to clean up refinery pollution but spent it in other ways.

Jones posted $100,000 bond for release pending sentencing.