Posted at 3:51 p.m., Monday, June 5, 2006
Former surf king Garcia pleads guilty to tax evasion
Staff and wire reports
World famous surfer Sunny Garcia pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom in San Diego today to failing to report on his federal tax return $161,450 in prize money on 2000 from professional surf meets around the world.Garcia, who grew up in Waia'nae to become one of the best surfers from Hawai'i and whose residence is listed in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., also admitted that he failed to report on his tax returns about $255,635 in prize money from 1996 to 2001.
He faces a maximum three-year prison sentence and fines of up to $100,000 when he is sentenced on Aug. 28.
Garcia is a six-time winner of surfing's Triple Crown championship. He pulled in more than $1 million in prize money during his time on the professional tour.
Fellow surfer Poncho Sullivan described him as "probably the best Hawaii surfer ever" when he left the tour last year.
