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Celamour Berus, 61, Admits to Preparing False Tax Returns
A Queens, New York tax return preparer has pleaded guilty to 38 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false federal income tax returns and four counts of filing false personal income tax returns. Celamour Berus, owner of Celamour Enterprises, a tax preparation business, admitted to the crimes in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn.
According to the indictment, Berus falsified individual income tax returns from 2007 to 2011, claiming false charitable contributions, unreimbursed employee expenses and other itemized deductions for clients of Celamour Enterprises. The indictment also alleges that Berus falsified his own tax returns for tax years 2007 through 2010 by failing to report all of the gross receipts generated by his tax preparation business and claiming false itemized deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses.
Berus faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. His sentencing is set for August 18 before U.S. District Judge Allyne R. Ross in the Eastern District of New York.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo commended the special agents of IRS-CI for their investigation and Trial Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Brittney Campbell for their prosecution of the case. Ciraolo also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their assistance.
The case against Berus is a reminder of the importance of honesty in tax preparation. Taxpayers have a responsibility to report their income accurately and claim only legitimate deductions. By falsifying tax returns, Berus put himself and his clients at risk of facing serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
The guilty plea by Berus is a significant victory for law enforcement and the IRS. It demonstrates the commitment of the government to enforcing tax laws and protecting the integrity of the tax system. The case is a reminder that tax crimes will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.
Celamour Berus is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18. His guilty plea is a significant blow to his reputation and his business. It is a reminder that honesty and integrity are essential in any profession, including tax preparation.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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