By Olivia Scheck
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A former aide to disgraced Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel has pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor counts of tax evasion.
James Capel, who was the manager of Rangel's district office, admitted in court Monday that he failed to file his taxes for six years between 2003 - 2009, racking up approximately $42,000 in back taxes, fees and fines. The statute of limitations only allows him to be charged for 2007 - 2009.
He pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court Tuesday on charges of tax fraud and failure to pay taxes, and faces no jail time as long as he pays the fine by the July 12 sentencing deadline.
Capel declined to comment as he left the courtroom.
Rangel, whose office did not immediately respond for calls for comment, has faced his own round of tax scandals, being forced to step down as chairman of the House Ways and Means committee after he was censured by the House Ethics Committee for charges including accepting a junket to the Caribbean and failing to declare a second vacation home in the Domonican Republic.
