Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, February 10, 1995 TAG: 9502100109
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. LENGTH: Medium
The plea bargain includes three months of home confinement with an electric monitor and a fine of between $150,000 and $250,000.
Strawberry, released Monday by the San Francisco Giants after he was suspended by baseball for 60 days, could play in 1995 if he is signed to a contract. The sentence discussed in federal court is subject to change, based on probation and other presentencing reports.
While the crime carries a maximum prison term of up to five years and a fine of $250,000, the government recommended a lighter sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for March 15.
``Hi, I'm here,'' Strawberry said as he entered the courtroom with his wife, Charisse, and two lawyers. Asked where he got his brightly colored tie, he paused, smiled, and said: ``State prison.''
Once U.S. District Judge Barrington D. Parker took the bench, Strawberry, 32, once one of baseball's brightest prospects, grew somber.
Strawberry told the judge that he had entered professional baseball straight from high school and never went to college. He mentioned his 10-month-old son and his wife, who is expecting a baby in June. His wife wiped away tears.
The government said Strawberry cheated on his taxes by underreporting income from personal appearances and autograph sessions. The plea agreement described the tax loss as more than $70,000 but less than $120,000.
``I did quite a few card shows for a great deal of money,'' Strawberry said. ``I knew the money should have been reported to the government on tax returns, and I didn't report it on my taxes ... I plead guilty to the fact I knew this was illegal and I didn't report it.''
Assistant U.S. attorney Carol Sipperly said Strawberry made approximately $422,250 from autographs and personal appearances from 1986 through 1990 but reported only $59,685, a difference of $362,565.
Strawberry's lawyer, Martin Gelfand, said the unreported income amounted to $270,000.
The government estimated its tax loss at $101,500; Strawberry's lawyer said it was $75,600.
Strawberry and his agent, Eric Goldschmidt, were indicted Dec.8 on charges of concealing income.
Gelfand said his client knew there was a ``substantial amount of unreported income,'' but that Strawberry hadn't kept accurate records.
Strawberry has until Aug.1 to file an amended tax return and pay the back taxes and penalties.
Strawberry made eight All-Star teams in 12 years with the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and Giants. He is the Mets' career home run leader with 252 and led the National League in homers in 1988 with 39.
He was suspended Monday for 60 days for violating baseball's drug policy and the terms of his aftercare program. The Giants then released him.
Strawberry didn't play in the first two months of the 1994 season after admitting a substance abuse problem and seeking treatment.
The Associated Press learned that cocaine was the drug Strawberry tested positive for last month.
by CNB