Browse A-Z by Artist Profile

#A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


	Keyword search Music News		Browse by Genre

Tuesday 3rd October 2006

Phil Driscoll found guilty in US courts of tax evasion

ONE OF the most popular artists in American CCM, singer and trumpeter Phil Driscoll faces a possible prison sentence after a recent conviction for income tax evasion. Phil and his wife, Lynne, were indicted for allegedly failing to report more than $1 million of income to the International Revenue Service (IRS) between 1996 and 1999. His mother-in-law, Christine Blankenship, also was charged but died right before the trial started. Will Mackie, assistant US attorney for the eastern district of Tennessee, said the amount of taxes owed - more than $250,000 - warrants an 18-24 month sentence, although he is awaiting the results of a pre-sentencing report by federal probation authorities. Sentencing is set for 26th October.

Now out on bond, the 58 year old founder of Mighty Horn Ministries could remain free past that date, since his attorney plans to file an appeal soon after sentencing. While he acknowledged mistakes in the way several transactions were handled by Mighty Horn's bookkeeping department, the trumpeter denied any intent to defraud, misrepresent or hide the truth.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Reader Comments

Posted by Arturo in San Bernardino, California @ 01:35 on Jul 1 2013

Phil

I heard you play in Yucaipa and you signed my music books. It inspired me to start playing my trumpet again and have performed "Holy Holy Holy and other songs. I saw you and your son perform in Calimesa. You shared openly that you were going to jail and took responsibility for it. Proverbs teaches Love covers a multitude of sin. I love you. I love you brother may Jesus look over Mighty Horn Ministry. By the way still playing my trumpet and will always love and pray for you and your family.

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Mary in Louisiana @ 16:30 on Oct 2 2012

Why do some people think that just because God has placed a person in the ministry they now must go around with holes in their clothes. Sleep in the street. Go everywhere on a broke down mule. Forge for their food in garbage bins. Phil Driscoll was already making money.
The bible tells us judge not lest you be judged. In the Lord's prayer you are saying to the Lord to forgive me the same way I forgive others
I got to see Phil play many years ago He is awesome

[reply] [report abuse]

Reply by Valerie in Thomaston, Ga @ 09:55 on Apr 20 2013

Mary,
I think you said it best sis.
Lets all remember father Abraham, Job, King David, Solomon & many others God blessed with great wealth, that he still can & does & let's all get off of the jealousy wagon. The bible says its as cruel as the grave.

[report abuse]

Posted by Truth Be Told in USA @ 16:33 on Sep 16 2011

He should have spent more time in prision for using a Ministry for Tax Evasion and Conspiracy in the millions. He had an airplaine, porsche, million dollar homes and made million of dollars with Mighty Horn Ministries in addition to his other income but that's not enough? He's a millionare and he commit crimes to avoid paying his taxes like everyone else in the US? God Help Him!

[reply] [report abuse]

Reply by Tom Walker in Georgia @ 14:35 on Feb 22 2013

How do you know what items Phil owned. I would venture to say that you nothing about this man other than the fact that you read about his trial and conviction. You don't know the circumstances behind it. Maybe his book keeper messed up. You might want stop judging before you know the facts.

[report abuse]

Posted by Yekolams in Uganda @ 19:53 on Mar 3 2011

Alitle mistake equals total broken law coz Without law, there is no sin. I wil make an apeal to the heavenly court of justice. Having impacted my life once in d 90's on video, even if u may b wrong today, yet for yo past i wil make this apeal on yo behalf.

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Martha in SC @ 06:19 on Dec 25 2010

Bro. Phil,
I was just listening to your cassette, A Simple Song while doing some cleaning and it really lifted my spirit. I am convicned that God gave you the gift of music and each time I hear your songs, I go into worship. I was just telling some friends of mine about your music tonight and I decided to see what's new in your music, when I stumbled on this situation. I will believe God with you. Romans 8:1, also verses 26-39 and Proverbs 26:14.
It just shows that we are living in perilous times. don't be discouraged, God will get the glory out of this, because what is meant for evil, God will turn in to good. Hold on to your faith and keep praising and worshipping God because He is our rock and our fortress. God bless and keep you.

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Frances in Long Island, New York @ 02:07 on Nov 13 2010

Sometimes we in the body of Christ need to own up to our shortcomings which he did. If people keep telling you to go right and you go left something is going to happen. No one will ever know the truth except for The Almighty. What I do know is that I am listening to a video now and am being truly blessed by brother Driscoll's connection with the Master. Which only lets me know there is hope for others who slip and fall. There is a place in the Father's heart for someone who can lead others in praise and worship to the throne of grace. I'm sure he has learned his lesson. Though it is a shame that the secular world had to chastise him. I know the Holy Spirit spoke to him about turning the situation around.....but as most of us do...we do not heed. But Jesus shed His blood for our sin..past...present..and future and while He continues to be the Alpha and Omega we will give Him honor and love our brothers and sisters because that is one of the greatest commandments. To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

[reply] [report abuse]

Reply by Valerie Pittman in Thomaston, Ga @ 09:33 on Apr 20 2013

Dear Frances,
Your words show you are a Christian but also that you are judging.
Sometimes we have to own up to our faults which he did? Phil never owned up to the accusations. The over 1,000,000 they claimed he owed was their mistake and reduced to 30,000 that they said accumulated over many years.
However, this was only because they did not give him proper credit for his home, which his ministry comes out of nor his transportation allowance which is for his ministry also. If they had he would not have owed them period.
However, zero money owed would have shown they were completely wrong.

[report abuse]

Posted by Mary in Nigeria @ 09:40 on Oct 23 2010

Yesterday i had a misunderstanding with my huband that i believe caused a bad crack in our relationship. Back home from work in the evening, confused and trying to look up to God i brought out an audio tape that was cut while trying to play and i fixed it cause i had to listen to it - it was one of your tapes. Listening to it created the avenue for me to worship my way out of that mess. I am in my office trying to browse for more of your songs when i saw this jail thing. It does not change what i think about you my brother, God bless you.

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Mark in Magnolia, Arkansas @ 04:58 on Mar 15 2010

I have never met you Phil but I want you to know how much your music and ministry means too me. You have taught me just how much God can speak to us thru sound and your music is truly medicine to my soul. Thank you so much for lifting me up. Don't let anything change the way you praise Him. You are in my prayers and by the way, I will meet you someday!

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Andeyaba Ezekiel in Lagos, Nigeria. Africa @ 15:30 on Nov 13 2008

Dear Phil,
From what the word of God says, He acknowledges the state. the state seem to know this and instead of honoring itself, is using this knowldge to rather punish you. May be they dont know that you are more than a conquror. make them know this by rejoicing. For you that is born of God over cometh the world! Thanks so much for allowing yourself to be used by God to bless me with your messages in songs and testimony!

[reply] [report abuse]

Posted by Sharon Moore in Missouri City, Texas @ 13:11 on Sep 21 2008

Dear Phil -
I have never met you, but your music has been an inspiration to me. I have been asking about you for a long time and wondering when you would be back in Missouri City in concert. It is unfortunate that I am just now hearing about your circumstances. I am praying for you that every need is met with heaven's best and God will continue to strengthen you. Phil, just continue to press in every day to be all God has called you to be in spite of it all. He loves you and so does the body of Christ!

[reply] [report abuse]

View more reader comments on this article

The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Driscoll Facing Prison

Phil Driscoll found guilty in US courts of tax evasion

Reader Comments

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.