A longtime Albert Lea financial adviser who pleaded guilty in July to one count of willfully attempting to evade or defeat tax law was placed on probation for up to five years today in Freeborn County District Court.

Troy L. Irvine, 42, was not given a prison sentence. If Irvine successfully completes his probation, the conviction will be reduced to a misdemeanor, said his lawyer, Edward Magarian of Minneapolis.

Prior to sentencing, Assistant Freeborn County Attorney David Walker and Magarian noted Irvine requested a higher restitution amount than what was originally thought.

Magarian said Irvine’s effort shows he took responsibility for his action, noting his belief that it shows Irvine is honest, trustworthy and wanted to do the right thing.

Irvine is expected to pay $49,439 in restitution. Restitution was originally expected to be a little more than $47,000.

Irvine was originally charged with five additional counts of attempting to evade the state’s tax laws and six counts of filing false or fraudulent income tax returns following an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

In pleading guilty in July, Irvine admitted to attempting to evade or defeat tax law for tax year 2009.

The initial criminal complaint filed in Freeborn County District Court in February alleged Irvine willfully attempted to evade income tax laws for tax years 2009 through 2014.

Magarian released a statement following the proceeding.

“Troy is grateful for the support of his family and friends and for the professionalism of David Walker, the assistant county attorney, in resolving this dispute,” he said.

Irvine formerly worked at Alliance Benefit Group and Edward Jones.