The wife of former investment guru, author and financial seminar leader Wade Cook pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to obstruction of justice. In her plea agreement, 54-year-old Laura Cook of Fall City admitted that in July 2003 she created documents on her home computer in an effort to evade taxes on some $9.4 million in income she and her husband received between 1998 and 2000. The documents were backdated to 1999. The false documents attempted to portray the funds as loans in an effort to avoid criminal charges. Obstruction of justice is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Under terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend a 15-month prison term for Laura Cook. Her sentencing date has not been set. In February, Wade Cook was found guilty of tax evasion, filing false and fraudulent tax returns and obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 22nd. The jury could not reach a verdict regarding Laura Cook's criminal conduct. |