Rick Jones asks judge to continue sentencing

Rick Jones is asking U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert to continue his sentencing date for at least 30 days so he can finish cooperating with the federal government, according to a court document filed May 18.

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.

His sentencing date is May 28 in Benton.

"Defendant Rick Jones has been cooperating with the Government and that cooperation is not yet completed," wrote Jones's attorney James Martin of St. Louis. "The requested continuance should allow for completion of all assistance needed by the Government..."

Gilbert has not yet ruled on the motion.

Jones also states he needs more time to resolve civil tax liabilities, such as penalties and interest.

"This is taking slightly longer than expected, and a continuance would better enable Rick Jones to resolve these matters," Martin wrote.

As part of his plea agreement, Jones agreed to make restitution to the IRS on sentencing day for taxes he owes.

Jones claims federal prosecutors have no objection to a continuance.

"In support of this motion, defendant notes he has not previously sought any continuance of the sentencing," the motion states.

Jones faces up to five years in prison, but can earn a shorter stretch by cooperating "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 has posted $100,000 bond for release pending sentencing.