Baton Rouge Doctor Convicted of Tax Evasion for $1.6 Million Owed

Dr. Melissa Rose Barrett, a Baton Rouge physician, has been convicted of tax evasion after a seven-day trial. Evidence presented showed that she owed approximately $1.6 million in taxes for the years 2007 through 2017. Barrett took various steps to evade paying her tax liability, including underreporting income, concealing cash, and purchasing assets in the names of nominees. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.