Albuquerque resident Dennis Pyle has been charged with 12 felony counts of tax evasion, according to the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department. The charges stem from a State grand jury indictment on October 17, following a two-year investigation by the department's Tax Fraud Investigations Division (TFID). Pyle, 52, is accused of tax fraud related to his business, Earthtech Landscaping.
The charges include one second-degree felony count, eight third-degree felony counts, and three fourth-degree felony counts. If convicted, Pyle could face up to 37-and-a-half years in prison and $90,000 in fines.
"New Mexico does not tolerate tax fraud," said Stephanie Schardin Clarke, Secretary of the Taxation & Revenue Department. "These indictments serve as a reminder that the Taxation & Revenue Department is committed to tracking down tax criminals and pursuing justice."
This case marks the seventh successful indictment in 2025 from TFID investigations. In total, these cases involve 99 felony counts across four judicial districts and potential fines reaching $2.96 million.
Interim TFID Director Joshua Hoffman emphasized the importance of their work: "Investigating individuals and businesses suspected of tax evasion requires diligence and patience, but TFID isn’t afraid to put in the hard work."
Under New Mexico law, a second-degree felony can result in nine years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. A third-degree felony carries a basic sentence of three years imprisonment with up to a $5,000 fine. Fourth-degree felonies carry an 18-month sentence with fines up to $5,000.
For those wishing to report fraud, contact the New Mexico tax fraud hotline at 1-866-457-6789 or email Tax.Fraud@tax.nm.gov.
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