Lancaster mayor pleads not guilty to tax charges

Lancaster mayor Brian Kuhn appeared in court today, where he pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of failing to file his taxes in 2014 2015.

Kuhn, who previously worked as an accountant before taking the mayor’s office, would face up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine if found guilty.

David Thomas, Kuhn’s attorney, said he has no plans to resign.

Indicted earlier this month was Bridget Kuhn, the mayor’s wife, who pleaded guilty to 11 financial-related charges that are unrelated to Brian Kuhn’s case.

6/13/16: Lancaster mayor won’t resign despite felony indictments

After Lancaster mayor Brian Kuhn was indicted on two fifth-degree felony counts of failing to file tax returns in 2014 and 2015, he says he has no plans to resign.

According to Kuhn’s attorney, Dave Thomas, “the charges are related to Brian’s personal tax returns and have absolutely no connection with his official duties as mayor or any other public office that he has held.

“He does not plan to resign.”

The mayor declined to comment extensively to media outlets, saying his legal counsel advised him against it until legal proceedings are underway.

Greg Russell is Kuhn’s presumptive Democratic challenger in this year’s November election, and it sounds like he’ll be having a field day with the charges.

“We’re ready to go full force,” Russell said. “I’m more motivated now than the first time I ran.”

Russell said Kuhn should have resigned when his wife pleaded guilty to 11 charges earlier this year, and now he says Kuhn should definitely resign.

Bridget Kuhn stole approximately $300,000 from her employer, Frazier Electric, to feed a gambling addiction.

Brian Kuhn’s first court appearance has yet to be scheduled.

6/10/16: Lancaster mayor indicted on tax charges

Lancaster mayor Brian Kuhn was indicted by a Fairfield County Grand Jury last Friday for failing to file tax returns in 2014 and 2015.

The fifth-degree felony charges warrant a maximum of one year in prison per count.

Kuhn, 52, is a certified public accountant who previously served as Fairfield County Treasurer and Lancaster’s city service-safety director before taking the mayor’s office.

The charges are filed the same week the mayor’s wife, Bridget Kuhn, pleaded guilty to 11 financial-related charges, including an embezzlement of over $300,000 from Frazier Electric, where she worked as an accountant.

Sources say Bridget Kuhn used the money to fund a gambling addiction.

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