TUCSON, Ariz. — Former state senator and justice of the peace Keith Allen Bee was sentenced this week to six months in prison after pleading guilty to filing a false tax return.
The San Tan Valley resident owned a school bus company and admitted to reducing the company's profits and inflating expenses to manipulate his taxes.
Between 2011 and 2013, Bee would add personal expenses and the depreciation of personal assets to the company's books, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Bee, who served in the Arizona Legislature between 1991 and 2001, admitted the tax loss resulting from his conduct was worth over $214,000.
The 56-year-old was a justice of the peace in Pima County for several years until federal authorities filed charges against him in 2018.
“Let this case serve as a reminder that all people, no matter their rank and circumstance, may face prison time when they cheat on their taxes," said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino in a statement.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12 News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
Get to know 12 News
At 12 News, we listen, we seek, we solve for all Arizonans. 12 News is the Phoenix NBC affiliate owned by TEGNA Inc.
At 12 News, It’s a Matter of Facts. Built on a legacy of trust, 12 News serves more than 4.6 million people every month on air, on our 12 News app, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and 12News.com.
We are committed to hyper-locally serving all of our communities. We advocate for our neighbors, affect positive change, and connect our broader community to solutions.
12 News is the Official Home of the Arizona Cardinals and the proud recipient of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy Award for Overall Excellence.
Stay connected by downloading the 12 News app, available on Google Play and the Apple Store, and by signing up for our daily newsletter. Catch up on any stories you missed on the show on the 12 News Youtube channel. Read content curated for our Spanish-speaking audience on the Español page.