UBS ex-client seeks leniency for tax conviction

By CURT ANDERSON AP Legal Affairs Writer

MIAMI (AP) - A wealthy accountant is seeking a lenient sentence for his cooperation in the U.S. tax evasion investigation into Swiss bank UBS AG.

A Miami federal judge scheduled sentencing Wednesday for Steven Michael Rubinstein, the first American charged in the UBS probe. Rubinstein, also a South African citizen, pleaded guilty in June to filing a false tax return. Prosecutors say he hid $6 million in secret UBS accounts.

Prosecutors recommend a light 12-month prison sentence for Rubinstein's assistance. Rubinstein's attorney says he can help even more if he's permitted house arrest.

Several other UBS clients also face charges. Under U.S. pressure, the Swiss bank this year agreed to disclose names of 4,450 additional suspected American tax dodgers.