San Antonio Standard

A San Antonio couple has been sentenced to federal prison for tax evasion. Rachel Olivia Markum, aged 41, received a 15-month sentence for tax evasion and aiding and abetting. Her husband, Robert Franklin Markum Jr., aged 47, was sentenced to 27 months on similar charges.

Court documents reveal that the couple submitted a fraudulent joint tax return for the year 2016. The document reported their income from their business, Camping and Fishing Outlet, as $3,530,473. However, it was known that the actual gross receipts exceeded $4 million.

Rachel Markum pleaded guilty to her charges on May 28, 2024. Her husband admitted his guilt earlier on April 1 and was sentenced in August of the same year. Both were ordered to pay restitution amounting to $359,108.

“This sentencing underscores the serious consequences of defrauding the federal government through false tax returns,” stated U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. He emphasized that by concealing significant sums from the IRS, they undermined the integrity of the tax system.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan from IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office remarked on their efforts to hide income: “Robert and Rachel Markum created false identities and businesses...but they failed to realize that money always leaves a trail.” She noted that prosecuting such crimes remains a priority in Texas.

The investigation was conducted by IRS-CI with Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung handling prosecution duties.