Tax scofflaw remains jailed

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man’s lengthy legal odyssey in a bid to avoid filing state income taxes has landed him in the Bonner County Jail.

Mark Francis Perlinger was arrested on Oct. 16 on a warrant of attachment for failing to file tax returns from 2011 to 2013, 1st District Court records show.

Perlinger appeared before Judge Barbara Buchanan on Wednesday, where he asserted that he is Mark Francis and not a United States citizen.

“I am a Minnesota national,” Perlinger said. “I am not subject to the jurisdiction of this court.”

Perlinger’s wife, Patricia, explained that her husband’s certificate of birth in Crow Wing County, Minn., was approved by the state and a copy of the document was sent to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

“He is Mark Francis and he is innocent,” she said.

But the arguments failed to gain traction with the court.

Buchanan found that Mark Perlinger is a bright person based on his voluminous court filings, but found his remarks “nonsensical.”

“I find it so sad to me that you caught yourself up with this strange movement,” Buchanan said of Perlinger’s sovereign-style legal arguments.

Deputy Attorney General Amber Kauffman was also unmoved by Mark Perlinger’s argument and said state law is clear on the filing requirement.

“Anything, at this point, that he has to say is without merit and not relevant,” said Kauffman, who took part in the hearing via telephone.

Buchanan said it was not clear if Mark Perlinger even owes taxes as they could have been withheld from his employer, but added that tax return filing requirement is clear.

Buchanan ordered Mark Perlinger to remain in custody until arranges to have his return filed.

“We’re not getting anywhere today,” Buchanan observed.

“I object, your honor,” Mark Perlinger said.

“I’m sure you do,” Buchanan replied.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.