Douglas Bruce
/ FOX21: file photo
DENVER (AP) -- Opening statements begin Friday in the tax-evasion trial of Colorado's best known tax opponent.
Douglas Bruce of Colorado Springs is accused of evading taxes between 2005 and 2007 through a nonprofit group fighting government spending. Bruce is a former Republican state lawmaker and the father of Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, which severely restricts government spending.
The nonprofit group, Active Citizens Together, earned some $178,000 in interest on Bruce's donations between 2005 and 2007.
Government prosecutors say Bruce should have paid taxes on that interest. Bruce says he did not benefit from the charity and is being punished for funding small-government advocacy.
If convicted, Bruce faces a fine up to $500,000 or possible jail time.
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