Evan Knoll, the Michigan man accused by the federal government of illegally and improperly collecting more than $80-million in fuel tax rebates appeared in court for the first time last Thursday. The appearance ended in Knoll leaving in the custody of the U.S. Marshalls headed for a federal facility where he will undergo psychological evaluation for the next three to four months.
Knoll apparently spoke for a brief time during his time in court, confirming that he understood the charges against him, what the potential penalties are, and that he was headed into custody for months as he underwent evaluation.
His mug shot shows a far different picture than the dozens of smiling snaps of Knoll from his years as drag racing’s top sponsor and financial supporter. The penalties that Knoll may face, if he is found to be competant for trial, are severe. More than 30 years in prison and a million dollars in fines are potentially on the table.
It appears all will be quiet on the legal front for this case until Knoll is found to be fit for trial or declared otherwise. For a man that the courts suspect is not in his 100% right mind, he sure ran one hell of an empire, complete with a mansion, private jet, employees, and multiple wings that included racing, racing fuel, clothing, and “dozens” of other private businesses (and Knoll once boasted himself on the internet).
The questions surrounding his mental state seem to stem from a 2004 single car accident that involved Knoll crashing a Dodge Viper at high speed. From that point forward Knoll suffered headaches and other maladies relating to the injuries sustained in that crash.
We’ll keep our ears to the ground on this one, as the story could involved dozens, if not hundreds of names in drag racing if the trial continues!
Haggard’s the wrong word I think – having a gaunt, wasted, or exhausted appearance, as from prolonged suffering, exertion, or anxiety; worn: the haggard faces of the tired troops
He looks like any other fat dumb day laborer I’ve ever seen. There’s nothing gaunt about him. But I agree he sure doesn’t look like he did back when he thought it was a good idea to plaster his image all over everything – see http://www.bangshift.com/assets/images/news/2011/June/evan%20knoll.jpg.
Maybe he thought he’d fare better in prison if he was uglier?