Darius D. Cobb, Tax Fraud, Missouri 2023

A tax preparer from Jennings, Missouri, has admitted to preparing at least 23 fraudulent tax returns that created losses of more than $500,000.

In a shocking turn of events, Darius D. Cobb, 51, pleaded guilty in front of U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey to two felony counts of aiding in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return.

Cobb admitted preparing at least 200 tax returns for the tax years 2017 and 2018. In at least 23 of the returns, Cobb included some false information: fake W-2 forms with false wages and withholdings, false Schedule C forms reporting profit or loss from a business, false claims for the American Opportunity Credit for educational expenses and false information about dependents.

According to the plea agreement, in one example, Cobb included a business loss of $14,024 for one taxpayer even though the taxpayer was not a business owner.

The total losses from Cobb’s crimes were approximately $517,021, the plea says.

Cobb is scheduled to be sentenced July 11. The crime carries a maximum penalty for each charge of 3 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Cobb has also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS.

The case was investigated by IRS – Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Roy is prosecuting the case.

In a statement, officials said that Cobb’s actions were a serious breach of the public’s trust and that those who engage in tax fraud will be held accountable.

Darius D. Cobb, 51, is a resident of Jennings, Missouri. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of aiding in the preparation of a false and fraudulent tax return. His sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

Cobb faces a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. He has also agreed to pay restitution to the IRS.

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