Allen Brice, Tax Fraud, Mississippi 2023

In a shocking case of tax evasion, two Gulfport, Mississippi men have been sentenced to prison for preparing fraudulent tax returns.

Allen Brice, 63 months in prison, and Jeremi Washington, 46 months in prison, were handed down their sentences by the court. Brice was convicted at trial of seven counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, while Washington pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States.

The scheme, which took place from 2009 through 2011, involved the duo filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for multiple clients. The returns included bogus education expenses and retirement contributions, which were never discussed with the clients. As a result, the clients received refunds they were not entitled to.

Brice and Washington were ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amounts of $1,919,820.20 and $1,954,352 respectively. Brice was also ordered to serve one year of supervised release, while Washington was ordered to serve three years.

The investigation into the scheme was conducted by special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, while the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Wansley and Jay Golden and Trial Attorney Nathan Brooks of the Tax Division.

The sentencing of Brice and Washington serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of tax evasion. As the IRS continues to crack down on tax fraud, it is essential that individuals and businesses take steps to ensure compliance with tax laws.

In related news, the Tax Division has announced additional enforcement efforts to combat tax evasion. For more information, visit the division’s website.