IRS agent testifies Castroneves owes $2.3 million

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It’s hard to imagine likable Brazilian race car driver Helio Castroneves is being prosecuted for tax evasion and conspiracy, but that’s exactly what has been going on for nearly a month in a Miami courtroom.

And this morning, IRS agent Joann Levitt testified that the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner owes more than $2.3 million in unpaid taxes and improper reductions from 1999-2004. Castroneves, who is charged alongside his sister/business manager and a Michigan-based lawyer, has denied any wrongdoing.

Levitt is the final prosecution witness and the defense will present its case next week. If convicted, the popular Indy Racing League/American Le Mans Series driver could face jail time.

For a complete rundown of Castroneves’ tax woes, check out this story.

-- Austin Knoblauch

Photo: Helio Castroneves, accompanied by his sister, Katiucia, talks to reporters outside federal court in Miami on March 2. Credit: Alan Diaz / Associated Press