Recording artist “Twista” pleads guilty to tax crimes

Date: June 26, 2026

Contact: [email protected]

Chicago, IL - A Chicago area recording artist pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income tax, June 24.

According to court documents and statements made in Court, Carl Mitchell of Crete, Illinois, a musical artist known professionally as "Twista," willfully failed to pay income tax for the years 2019 through 2023. During this time, Mitchell earned income from, among other things, performances, album sales, streaming, and royalties. Both the IRS and Mitchell's accountants repeatedly informed him of his existing tax debts and obligation to pay them. Despite this advice, Mitchell refused to pay what he owed. Instead, Mitchell entered into agreements with a third-party company to pay him advances on future royalties, knowing that the IRS would not be able to levy these funds. Rather than paying the taxes he owed, Mitchell also made large purchases to support his lifestyle, including buying at least four luxury vehicles.

Mitchell has unpaid tax liabilities dating back to 2011. In total, Mitchell has failed to pay more than $440,000 in tax owed.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to five counts of willfully failing to pay income tax. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22, 2026, and faces a maximum of 1 year in prison for each of the five counts. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

"Too many honest Americans work hard, pay their taxes, and do the right thing to tolerate someone who believes the rules don't apply to them," said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. "Mr. Mitchell was warned by both the IRS and his own accountant, yet he chose to keep dodging his tax obligations. That's a choice-not a mistake. IRS Criminal Investigation doesn't care how famous you are or what you've accomplished. If you willfully refuse to pay your taxes, we'll follow the money and bring you to justice."

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department's National Fraud Enforcement Division and United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois made the announcement.

IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Boris Bourget of the Criminal Division's Tax Section is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

IRS-CI is the law enforcement arm of the IRS, responsible for conducting financial crime investigations, including tax fraud, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, public corruption, healthcare fraud, identity theft and more. It is the only federal law enforcement agency with investigative jurisdiction over violations of the Internal Revenue Code. IRS-CI has 18 field offices located across the U.S. and maintains an international presence through attaché posts abroad.