Fresen charges

I am probably not alone in wondering why federal prosecutors decided to enter into a plea agreement that allows Erik Fresen to be charged only with a misdemeanor. The man, a prominent elected state government official, failed to file income-tax returns for eight years.

Because such cases are easier to prove than more complicated cases of fraud or evasion, you would think the prosecutors would have held out for a felony charge.

It is unclear if this misdemeanor charge is consistent with other such cases, whether involving public officials or ordinary citizens. It is bizarre to think that Fresen will be allowed to run for office again if he chooses.

This story was originally published April 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Fresen charges."