Andrew Helsel, Tax Fraud and Financial Institution Fraud, Michigan 2024

Grand Rapids, MI – A local man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a scheme to defraud federally-insured financial institutions and file false tax returns.

Andrew Helsel, 37, of Grand Rapids, was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay $612,431 in restitution after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit financial institution fraud and one count of filing a false and fraudulent tax return.

According to court documents, Helsel engaged in a scheme to defraud federally-insured financial institutions by making false statements on loan application documents in order to obtain loans from those institutions. He also filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS on behalf of himself, a company he controlled, and other taxpayers.

Helsel used the ill-gotten gains to fund his lifestyle, said authorities. The scheme was uncovered by agents from the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

“Our financial system relies on honest compliance, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively pursue individuals who seek to take advantage of our nation and its financial institutions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge.

Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel, IRS-Criminal Investigation, stated, “This sentencing again emphasizes that the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Attorney’s office, and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who attempt to corrupt our nation’s tax system. Honest taxpayers have been reassured that no one is above the law—especially when the integrity of tax administration is at stake.”

The investigation was led by Special Agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher M. O’Connor and Sally J. Berens handled the prosecution.

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