Wesley Snipes Facing Jail For Tax Fraud

wesley_snipes_mugshotjail.jpgHollywood star Wesley Snipes will learn later whether he is to be sentenced to three years in prison for tax fraud.

The star of the Blade Vampire films has been called before a federal court for failure to file his taxes.

In February, Snipes was acquitted of five out of eight counts - including felony fraud and conspiracy charges - which each carried up to five years in prison.

But the action star was convicted of three lesser charges of willful failure to file a return.

Prosecutors are pressing for the maximum sentence, saying they want the court to make an example of a "notorious" and "inveterate" offender.

The government has said he owes more than £1.3m.

Snipes' lawyers say he deserves only probation for his crimes, and have submitted three dozen letters from friends attesting to his character.

Those coming to his aid included actors Denzel Washington and Woody Harrelson.