Jones to be sentenced July 16

U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert has continued the sentencing of Rick Jones until July 16.

Jones, who was scheduled to be sentenced May 28 on tax evasion charges, asked for a continuance of at least 30 days so he could finish cooperating with the federal government.

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 will be at 10 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Benton.

"Defendant Rick Jones has been cooperating with the Government and that cooperation is not yet completed," according to a court document filed May 18.

Jones's attorney, James Martin of St. Louis, wrote that the continuance "should allow for completion of all assistance needed by the Government..."

Gilbert granted the continuance May 26.

Jones also stated he needed 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 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 also 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.