Morgantown CPA Indicted in Tax Fraud Scheme

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory N. Cason, 45, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is facing serious federal charges after a grand jury handed down an indictment accusing him of widespread tax fraud. The indictment, announced today by United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, alleges Cason deliberately manipulated the finances of AKA Enterprises, Inc., a Morgantown-based company with holdings in the local bar and restaurant scene.

Cason, a Certified Public Accountant, allegedly engaged in a systematic effort to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. The indictment details accusations that Cason knowingly underreported income for AKA Enterprises, Inc. He’s further accused of failing to accurately report cash expenses and deliberately omitting periodic cash payments made to employees – all tactics designed to minimize the company’s tax liability.

The feds are hitting Cason with a hefty charge: one count of “Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service and to Aid and Assist in the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Forms.” If convicted on this count, Cason could face up to five years behind bars and a fine reaching $250,000.00. But that’s not all. He’s also facing two separate counts of “Aid and Assist in the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Form,” each carrying a potential three-year prison sentence and another $250,000.00 fine.

That puts Cason potentially looking at a maximum of 11 years in federal prison and $750,000 in fines. However, the actual sentence will hinge on the severity of the crimes as determined by the court, along with any existing criminal record Cason may have. Federal Sentencing Guidelines will be a key factor in the judge’s final decision.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams is spearheading the prosecution. The investigation was led by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, who presumably dug up the evidence that led to these charges. They don’t mess around when it comes to tax evasion.

It’s crucial to remember that this indictment is merely an accusation. Gregory N. Cason is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But with the IRS breathing down his neck and the weight of these charges, Cason has a long fight ahead of him.