David Barklage

In December 2021, lobbyist and political consultant David Barklage was ordered Thursday to pay $151,843 in restitution as well as serve three years of probation and 120 hours of community service for a federal tax crime. In his guilty plea in August 2021 to a felony charge of filing a false tax return, Barklage, 60, admitted depositing a total of $442,633 into his personal bank account, rather than the account for either of his businesses, and failing to declare it as income. He also admitted filing a tax return that he did not believe was accurate and failing to pay $151,843 in taxes. Barklage could have received 12 to 18 months in prison under the recommended federal sentencing guidelines. U.S. District Judge Matthew Schelp opted for probation, citing Barklage’s supportive family, his work history and the fact that he brought a check to court to repay the taxes, an action upon which judges often look favorably. Schelp also cited “matters discussed” during a roughly three-minute-long, non-public portion of the hearing at which any cooperation with other investigations is discussed as a reason for the sentence. In court, Barklage apologized, his voice breaking. He said eight generations of his family had maintained an “impeccable” reputation, until now. He also vowed to refocus his life on his family and the community.