MIAMI – In a shocking case of tax evasion, Abel Raphael, 65, of Key West, Florida has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for aiding and assisting the preparation and presentation of false tax returns. This harsh sentence serves as a warning to all tax preparers who would attempt to defraud the system.
Raphael, a professional tax return preparer, operated Abel Income Tax Service Inc., in Monroe County. His crimes came to light after he obtained an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) to submit tax returns electronically to the IRS in the names of others.
Using his expertise, Raphael prepared the returns using false deduction and tax credit figures, then electronically filed them with the IRS. This brazen scheme resulted in a massive loss of revenue for the government, and Raphael must now pay almost $150,000 in restitution for his crimes.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore.
The investigation into Raphael’s crimes was a joint effort between IRS-CI Miami and FBI Miami, Key West Resident Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Thompson prosecuted the case, bringing Raphael to justice for his wrongdoing.
Raphael’s sentence serves as a reminder that tax fraud will not be tolerated in our society. The IRS and law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to root out those who would seek to defraud the system.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-10016.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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