Prosecution rests in Snipes trial

OCALA, Fla. (AP) - The prosecution has rested its case in the tax evasion trial of actor Wesley Snipes.

Snipes is charged with tax fraud, conspiracy and willful failure to file tax returns. He's being tried in Florida. A conviction could land him in jail for up to 16 years.

Prosecutors say Snipes stopped paying taxes in 2000 after meeting Eddie Kahn, founder of two tax protest groups. Authorities allege that Snipes stopped filing returns, illegally sought 11 million dollars in 1996 and 1997 in taxes paid and drew fake checks to pay the U.S. Treasury.

Kahn, and another man who allegedly prepared false documents for Snipes, are also on trial.

Next week the defense presents its case. A host of celebrities, including Sylvester Stallone, Muhammad Ali, Spike Lee, Tom Brokaw and Snipes himself, could take the stand.

Snipes' lawyers say they could testify that Snipes' co-defendants "gave bad advice to many people."