Broward Residents Guilty of Tax Fraud

Three Broward residents have pleaded guilty to preparing false tax returns for their clients, according to an announcement made by Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Kelly R. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

Steven Tidas, of Tamarac, Sylvanie Junior Pierre, of Lauderdale Lakes, and Stenor Prosper, of Parkland, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. The defendants served as officers of Value Tax Services, Inc. and/or Value Financial Group, Inc., both of Sunrise.

According to court documents, the defendants prepared tax returns for individuals that falsely claimed tax credits for being a first-time home buyer, when the defendants knew the taxpayers had not purchased a home and did not qualify for the credit. The defendants also prepared tax returns for individuals that falsely claimed that the taxpayers had household help income, or inflated household help income, and they falsely inflated other income or deductions in order to increase the amount of the taxpayers’ refunds.

The intended loss to the government committed by Tidas, Pierre, and Prosper is $531,146, $284,550, and $163,053, respectively. Judge Robin Rosenberg will issue an order setting a sentencing date for all defendants. The defendants each face a maximum of five years in prison.

Mr. Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia R. Wood. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls.

Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov. The guilty pleas mark a significant victory in the fight against tax fraud, and demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to protecting the integrity of the tax system.

The case highlights the importance of accurate and honest tax preparation, and the consequences of attempting to cheat the system. The defendants’ actions resulted in significant losses to the government, and their guilty pleas serve as a warning to others who would engage in similar fraudulent activities. As the case moves forward, it will be important to monitor the sentencing and any further developments.