Christopher Randell, False Tax Return Conspiracy, Mississippi 2023

False Tax Return Conspiracy Lands Tax Preparer 70 Months in Prison

A Mississippi man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a conspiracy to prepare and file false tax returns for clients in Jackson, Mississippi.

Christopher Randell, a former employee of Sunbelt Tax Services, conspired with others to claim inflated tax refunds for clients by reporting false education credits, itemized deductions and business profits or losses on their tax returns. The scheme caused over $3.5 million in tax loss to the IRS.

A jury convicted Randell and his co-conspirators in November 2023.

According to court documents, Randell and his co-conspirators prepared thousands of fraudulent returns over the years. The false returns were filed with the IRS, resulting in significant tax losses for the government.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III for the Southern District of Mississippi handed down the sentence, ordering Randell to serve 70 months in prison. In addition, Randell was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the United States, with the exact amount to be determined by the court.

The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell, Zachary Cobb, and Mary Frances Richardson of the Tax Division.

Randell's sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in tax fraud. The IRS takes tax evasion seriously and will pursue individuals who attempt to cheat the system.

Details of the case:

- Defendant: Christopher Randell

- Crime: Conspiring to prepare and file false tax returns

- City: Jackson, Mississippi

- Date: November 2023 (conviction), 2024 (sentencing)

- Sentence: 70 months in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution to be determined

- Tax loss: Over $3.5 million

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdms/pr/mississippi-tax-preparer-sentenced-prison-false-tax-return-conspiracy