On Friday morning, actor Wesley Snipes surrendered himself to police officers after arriving via private jet from Namibia, where he had been shooting for the thriller 'Gallowwalker'. He was immediately taken into custody and, no later that 10.30 in the morning, he was facing a trial judge and pleading not guilty to the two counts of tax evasion and conspiracy.

That same day, Snipes was released on bail, set at $1 million and held a press conference before going back on the set of his latest movie.

The 'Blade' actor said that, even if the state indicted him as early as October, he had not spent all this time hiding from the law, as he was given permission to fly to Namibia and finish working for the movie, to which he was also contractually bound.

Afterwards, Snipes stated his innocence, claiming that he is just being taken as a scapegoat in the trial filed against him and that he was a victim of tax advisors. The actor is being charged with filing unlawful tax refunds between 1998-1997, which have cost the government an estimated loss of $12 million. If he is found guilty on the two charges, the actor could spend up to 17 years in jail.

But that would not be the case, Wesley assured the journalists. 'I look forward to vindicating myself and clearing my name', he said during the press conference. Meanwhile, he was granted permission to return to Namibia and wrap up shooting for 'Gallowwalker'. Until January 10th, he must return to the States, surrender his passport and prepare himself for his big day in court.