Boltons found guilty of felony tax evasion, family outraged

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Chief Deputy Charles Bolton and his wife Linda were taken in handcuffs Thursday night at the Federal Courthouse downtown after jurors found them guilty on several counts of felony tax evasion.

At around 7:36 p.m. the judge received a verdict on 16 counts, but on 4 counts the jurors could not come up with a conclusion.

Chief Deputy Charles Bolton was found guilty on 9 counts of tax evasion and not guilty on 1 count of tax evasion in 2009.

His wife, Linda, was found guilty of 5 counts of tax evasion, not guilty on 1 count of tax evasion in 2009, and 4 counts of mistrial.

Judge Keith Starrett said, "The 4 counts where the jury was 'hopelessly deadlocked' I declare a mistrial."

After the court read the verdict, Judge Starrett dismissed half of the courthouse, where most of Bolton's family were seated.

Two family members were outraged at the verdict and yelled, "damn this nation" inside the courtroom several times.

Judge Starrett asked several U.S. Marshals to escort the family out of the courthouse.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Harper said, "We are happy that the jury saw the evidence, and obviously deliberated through that evidence and came through a verdict on 16 of the 20 counts."

Harper continued, "I think the justice system is alive and well and it works, and when you have situations with people violate the law particularly the tax law"

He added, "Then it is the obligation of the United States Department of Justice to pursue those cases and prosecute them."

The Bolton's sentencing date is set for December 19, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.