Mechanicsburg Man Admits to Tax Evasion Scheme Resulting in Over $100,000 Loss

A Mechanicsburg man has pleaded guilty to tax evasion, admitting to a scheme that defrauded the U.S. government of more than $100,000 in tax revenue. The case, as announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, details how Rick Goodling, 69, underreported his income between 2019 and 2022. Goodling’s plea was entered before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson.

Goodling began working as a compliance officer for Pace-O-Matic, a Georgia-based company specializing in “skill machines,” in 2018. His role as a supervisory compliance officer involved receiving cash payments from operators of these machines throughout Pennsylvania. In exchange for these payments, Goodling allegedly allowed operators to continue using Pace-O-Matic products in violation of company rules and regulations. To conceal these earnings and reduce his tax liability, Goodling and others reportedly established consulting businesses. These businesses were used to falsely classify the illicit cash payments as business travel expenses, thereby leading to the underreporting of his taxable income during the specified tax years. The investigation revealed that this fraudulent activity resulted in a total tax loss exceeding $100,000 to the United States.

The case was a collaborative effort involving investigations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan is handling the prosecution. Individuals convicted of tax evasion can face significant penalties under federal law, including up to five years in prison, a period of supervised release following imprisonment, and substantial fines. The final sentence is determined by the judge, taking into account federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Pennsylvania

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