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Date: 08-11-2018

Case Style:

United States of America v. Jameka Coffey

Northern District of Mississippi Federal Courthouse - Oxford, Mississippi

Case Number: 1:18-cr-00088-DMB-DAS

Judge: Debra M. Brown

Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi (Lafayette County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Clay Dabbs and William Montague

Defendant's Attorney: Michael Scott Davis and George L. Lucas - FPD

Description: Oxford, MS - Mississippi Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns

A Starkville, Mississippi tax return preparer pleaded guilty on August 10, 2018 to aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return.

According to documents and information provided to the court, from early 2012 through April 2016, Jameka Coffey managed ABS Tax Services, a tax preparation business in Starkville, Mississippi. Coffey falsified taxpayer client returns by claiming false education credits and reporting fake businesses in order to seek refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Coffey also admitted that she trained other preparers to file fraudulent returns.

Coffey faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Coffey's sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Lamar thanked agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.


Charge:

26:7206A.F FRAUD AND FALSE STATEMENTS
(1)

§7206. Fraud and false statements

Any person who—
(1) Declaration under penalties of perjury

Willfully makes and subscribes any return, statement, or other document, which contains or is verified by a written declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury, and which he does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter; or
(2) Aid or assistance

Willfully aids or assists in, or procures, counsels, or advises the preparation or presentation under, or in connection with any matter arising under, the internal revenue laws, of a return, affidavit, claim, or other document, which is fraudulent or is false as to any material matter, whether or not such falsity or fraud is with the knowledge or consent of the person authorized or required to present such return, affidavit, claim, or document; or
(3) Fraudulent bonds, permits, and entries

Simulates or falsely or fraudulently executes or signs any bond, permit, entry, or other document required by the provisions of the internal revenue laws, or by any regulation made in pursuance thereof, or procures the same to be falsely or fraudulently executed, or advises, aids in, or connives at such execution thereof; or
(4) Removal or concealment with intent to defraud

Removes, deposits, or conceals, or is concerned in removing, depositing, or concealing, any goods or commodities for or in respect whereof any tax is or shall be imposed, or any property upon which levy is authorized by section 6331, with intent to evade or defeat the assessment or collection of any tax imposed by this title; or
(5) Compromises and closing agreements

In connection with any compromise under section 7122, or offer of such compromise, or in connection with any closing agreement under section 7121, or offer to enter into any such agreement, willfully—
(A) Concealment of property

Conceals from any officer or employee of the United States any property belonging to the estate of a taxpayer or other person liable in respect of the tax, or
(B) Withholding, falsifying, and destroying records

Receives, withholds, destroys, mutilates, or falsifies any book, document, or record, or makes any false statement, relating to the estate or financial condition of the taxpayer or other person liable in respect of the tax;

shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

Outcome: Guilty

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

Comments:



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