
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 30, 1994                   TAG: 9408010039
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

COVINGTON BUSINESSMAN'S HEARING DELAYED

A preliminary hearing on tax evasion charges against Victor Cucci, a Covington businessman convicted in 1992 of attempted cocaine trafficking, was postponed Friday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Smith said the government needed more time to gather information requested by Cucci's attorney. A new hearing date was not scheduled.

Prosecutors allege that Cucci and his wife, Janet, structured financial transactions in a way to avoid detection by the Internal Revenue Service.

The Cuccis pleaded innocent at an arraignment this month and the trial is to begin Dec.5 in U.S. District Court in Roanoke.

Federal law requires that any bank withdrawal of more than $10,000 be reported to the IRS. The government charges that the Cuccis cashed multiple checks at separate financial institutions to circumvent the law.

If convicted, the Cuccis could face 47 years in prison and a $2.75 million fine.

A judge sentenced Victor Cucci to 14 years in prison after he was convicted in January 1992 in an attempted conspiracy to import cocaine.

Cucci ran several businesses in Covington, including a pizza restaurant, floral shop and auto dealership.

by CNB