Harlan County, KY, October 13, 2025
News Summary
John Thomas Quintrell, owner of a Harlan County coal company, has pleaded guilty to tax evasion exceeding $22 million. The plea followed federal charges for willful failure to pay federal income and payroll taxes. Quintrell’s mining business failed to file necessary tax documents from 2019 to 2024. The case highlights ongoing issues of financial accountability in the coal industry, with significant consequences including a proposed four-year prison sentence and restitution to the IRS.
Harlan County, KY – John Thomas Quintrell, a Harlan County coal company owner, has pled guilty to tax evasion totaling over $22 million. The plea occurred on October 8, following charges of willful failure to collect or pay over six federal counts of taxes owed.
As the sole owner of Civil LLC, a mining business he operated from September 2018 through April 2025, Quintrell was tasked with the responsibility of withholding federal income taxes, Medicare, and Social Security contributions from his employees’ paychecks. However, he failed to file necessary tax documents for the coal company for the tax years ranging from 2019 to 2024. During this period, Quintrell’s actions reportedly withheld more than $22 million in federal income and payroll taxes from October 1, 2019, to March 31, 2025.
The federal plea agreement emerged after a lawsuit was brought against Quintrell by Indemnity National Insurance Company. Filed in Fayette Circuit Court, the lawsuit seeks surety for coal reclamation bonds valued at over $17 million. The insurance company has accused Quintrell of unjust enrichment and breach of contract.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences
Both prosecutors and Quintrell’s legal defense reached an agreement involving a stipulated four-year prison sentence for his tax evasion crimes. Quintrell also faces a requirement to provide over $22 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the taxes he failed to pay. A judge will determine the final sentencing, but as of now, no hearing has been scheduled.
Background of the Case
This tax evasion case highlights significant issues within the mining industry, where proper tax management is crucial for both the industry and government revenues. The failure to collect and remit these taxes can have long-reaching implications for funding public services and infrastructure. Furthermore, the lawsuit from the insurance company accentuates the financial ramifications of mismanagement and legal obligations in the coal industry.
The events surrounding Quintrell’s plea come amid ongoing scrutiny of the coal industry, particularly regarding financial accountability and environmental responsibilities. The fusion of tax evasion and failure to manage reclamation obligations raises critical concerns about corporate governance in the sector.
Conclusion
John Thomas Quintrell’s guilty plea marks a serious consequence for failing to meet federal tax obligations, which will have lasting effects on his business and personal life. With a hefty restitution requirement and a prison sentence looming, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of financial responsibility for coal business owners and other corporations operating within heavily regulated fields.
FAQ
What was John Thomas Quintrell charged with?
John Thomas Quintrell was charged with six federal counts of willful failure to collect or pay federal income and payroll taxes.
How much must Quintrell pay in restitution?
Quintrell is required to pay over $22 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
What were the implications of the lawsuit from Indemnity National Insurance Company?
The lawsuit seeks surety for coal reclamation bonds worth over $17 million and accuses Quintrell of unjust enrichment and breach of contract.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | John Thomas Quintrell |
| Company | Civil LLC |
| Charges | Six federal counts of willful failure to collect or pay taxes |
| Restitution Amount | Over $22 million to the IRS |
| Prison Sentence | Four years |
| Insurance Company Lawsuit | Indemnity National Insurance Company |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky: Harlan County Coal Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
- Wikipedia: Tax Evasion
- Washington Post: Medicaid Cuts and Addiction Treatment
- Google Search: Medicaid Cuts and Addiction Treatment
- Rolling Stone: Harlan County Coal Miner Blockade
- Google Scholar: Harlan County Coal Miner Blockade
- Tax Notes: Claims Dismissed Against Business for Alleged Tax Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax Fraud
- Kentucky: Latest News on Local Crime
- Google News: Kentucky Local Crime
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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