Phil Driscoll
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Phil Driscoll is a Contemporary Christian Music jazz artist who plays trumpet.
Phil Driscoll hails from Cleveland, TN and was found to be a child prodigy at the trumpet. After winning several awards at a young age for his trumpet playing, Driscoll began recording with several pop acts in the 1970s, including Joe Cocker, Stephen Stills, Leon Russell and Blood, Sweat & Tears. He was caught in severe drug addiction before turning his life to Jesus, something which he frequently testifies about. He has since received a Grammy in 1984 for his gospel album, "Warriors" and performed "America" at the dedication ceremony for Bill Clinton's presidential library in Little Rock, Arkansas. Phil began taking lessons in school when he was a fifth grade student at Lancaster, near Dallas, Texas. His family moved to Tulsa in 1959 and he studied trumpet in the regular classes at Bell Junior High School and as a private student of Roger Fenn (3rd trumpet with the Tulsa Philharmonic).
His ministry emphasis is on praise. Besides the trumpet, he can be seen leading worship with singing, playing the keyboard as well as playing his signature trumpet solos. He has recorded with world class christian musicians like bassist Abraham Laboriel and saxophonist Justo Almario amongst others. He currently runs Mighty Horn Ministries, and has a television ministry called "The Phil Driscoll Connection." Mr. Driscoll also appears on occasion at MorningStar services and conferences where he has led in music and praise and also taught. His program can be caught at http://www.mightyhorn.com, which also has other information about his albums.
Trial & Sentencing Timeline
06/08/06: Phil Driscoll was convicted on federal charges that he used his Tennessee-based Christian music ministry in an income-tax cheating scheme, where it was found that millions were donated to his ministry, which was found to be illegal in source. A jury found Driscoll, 58, guilty of charges of conspiracy and evading some federal income taxes owed for 1996 through 1999. [1]
10/27/06: Federal Judge Curtis Collier has denied a motion for a new trial for Grammy-Award winning gospel musician Phil Driscoll, who was found guilty in June on conspiracy to avoid paying income taxes and two counts of income tax evasion. He was found not guilty of one count of income tax evasion. Driscoll, 58, had been due to be sentenced on Thursday, but it has been delayed until Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. The maximum he faces is five years on each of three counts - for a maximum of 15 years. The jury ruled his wife, Lynne Driscoll, not guilty of conspiracy and not guilty of one count of tax evasion. But the jury deadlocked on another tax evasion charge she faced. However, it was later decided that Lynne Driscoll will not be retried. [2]
11/28/06: Sentencing has been delayed until Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. The new delay came after prosecutors said they want Driscoll to receive the maximum in his sentencing range. The range listed is 18-24 months, and the government is asking that Judge Curtis Collier sentence him to serve the maximum two years in federal prison. Prosecutors asked the maximum, citing the amount of money he evaded taxes on (as established in evidence - $128,627) and that testimony demonstrated a pattern of tax-evasion behavior. Prosecutors said there are no factors for "downward departures" (recommendation for a lesser sentence) in the case. The government has until Dec. 31 to put forth evidence in support of the sentencing memorandum. [3]
01/21/07: Prosecutors are asking for an 18-24-month federal prison sentence for Phil Driscoll at his sentencing on Thursday for income tax evasion. Paula Junghans, his Washington, D.C., attorney, is asking for a lighter term. Driscoll, who has continued to operate his ministry concert schedule, is due to appear before Federal Judge Curtis Collier at 2 p.m. [4]
01/25/07: Phil Driscoll was sentenced Thursday to a year and a day in prison for using his gospel music ministry in an income-tax evasion scheme. Judge Curtis L. Collier allowed Driscoll 45 days to report to prison and agreed to decide by that March 12 deadline on Driscoll's request to remain free while he appeals his conviction. [5]
March 13, 2007: Phil Driscoll Reports To Atlanta Minimum Security Federal Prison
Phil Driscoll reported to a minimum security federal prison in Atlanta on Monday to begin serving a year and a day for income tax evasion.
His Washington, D.C., attorney, Paula Junghans, had asked that he be allowed to remain free on bond pending the appeal.
However, Federal Judge Curtis Collier ruled that the three arguments on appeal are "unpersuasive."
He said they "do not raise a reasonable question of law or fact likely to result in a reversal and order for a new trial."
Judge Collier had directed that Driscoll report to prison by noon Monday.
Attorney Junghans said he was assigned to a satellite camp adjacent to the main federal prison at Atlanta.
She said, "Everybody is doing as well as they can. It's a very difficult time, but they are strong people."
She said of the appeal, "I am very hopeful. I think we've got good grounds."
Judge Collier had allowed Driscoll 45 days to report to prison and agreed to decide later on Driscoll's request to remain free while he appeals his conviction.
Driscoll formerly had his ministry at Cleveland, Tn., but it is now at Eatonton, Ga.
Driscoll, 58, addressed the court at his sentencing, saying his "life was taken apart the last five years." He said during that time "I have seen some mistakes I made."
He said, "I never intended to take a penny from our great government and the country I love."
He said from 1996-1999 his ministry took in $8.7 million - much of it in cash. He said, "I never took a dime of it. The mission of my life has been to use the gift God gave me to make the world a better place."
Attorney Junghans said, "I don't know or recognize the manipulative, greedy person that Mr. Mackie talks about."
Prosecutor William Mackie of Knoxville said, "I am not saying he is a bad person, but I am saying he made some bad decisions."
He said taxpayers worried about coming up with their taxes should not have to worry about covering others who don't pay the full amount.
Judge Collier noted at the sentencing that a jury earlier found Driscoll guilty of several charges. He said, "Judges cannot disregard willy nilly what a jury decides."
He said he had received numerous letters speaking for Driscoll, including one from former President Bill Clinton and another from former Defense Secretary Bill Cohen.
