Federal Tax Evasion Gets Burbank Woman 3 Years in Jail

39-year-old Maria Townsend of Burbank was sentenced Wednesday on failure to pay at least $3.3 million in federal payroll taxes.

The allegations stem from 10 counts of failing to pay employment taxes to the IRS through her company Townsend Controls of Pasco.

Authorities said in her role as President and Majority owner of the company, she instead used the money to buy cars, a boat, and have a pool put in at her home, among other things.

Townsend had argued she suffers from a bi-polar and obsessive-compulsive disorder and didn't know she was doing wrong.

She reported to the IRS the electricians employed by Townsend were independent contractors instead of employees, but still deducted the $3.3 million in payroll taxes. Prosecutors said she then kept that money for herself.

After serving the 3 years, she will also face 3 years probation.