January 23, 2024 - A 44-year-old Somerset County, Pennsylvania coal mining owner and resident of Rockwood has plead guilty in federal court to charges of tax evasion and filing a false income tax return, both felonies, according to U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan.

Jason R. Svonavec pleaded guilty to two counts involving tax evasion before U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon in the U.S. Western District of Pennsylvania.

The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation.

In 2017, Svonavec illegally expensed the construction of his home in Somerset through entities he operates called Heritage Coal and Natural Resources LLC and Banshee Crane, Olshan wrote in a media release.

In 2018, he filed a tax return reporting false tax deductions for Heritage Coal and Natural Resources LLC involving his home, Olshan said.

Svonavec is facing a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. However, under the federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Svonavec's sentencing is scheduled before Bissoon June 26 in the Johnstown federal court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case. The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation.