A Springfield businessman has pleaded guilty to a federal charge accusing him of trying to avoid financial reporting laws by making frequent bank withdrawals.
The U.S. Attorney's office for the western district of Missouri said in a release that 55-year-old Douglas Gooch pleaded guilty late last week to structuring financial transactions to evade federal reporting requirements.
The prosecutor's office said Gooch made several $9,000 cash withdrawals in 2011 and 2015 from his bank account to avoid reports that are required for withdrawing $10,000 or more from a bank. Gooch's withdrawals totaled more than $222,000.
The Springfield News-Leader reports he owns a business selling antiques, jewelry and coins. Gooch faces up to 10 years in prison.
