David Etienne, a 49-year-old tax return preparer from Norwich, Connecticut, has been sentenced to 24 months of imprisonment for his role in a tax fraud scheme that cost the IRS and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services an estimated $600,000.
Etienne, who operated several tax preparation businesses, including Los Maestros Inc, Los Maestros Group, Tax Experts USA, and Tax Experts USA Inc, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer in New Haven on February 27, 2024.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Etienne prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients between 2012 and 2021, which included false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses, false unreimbursed employee expenses, and in certain instances, false medical, dental or education-related expenses.
The investigation, led by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, revealed that Etienne’s criminal conduct was extensive and affected not only the IRS but also the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.
On September 5, 2023, Etienne pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return.
Etienne was released on a $100,000 bond and is required to report to prison on February 28, 2024. Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
Related Federal Cases
- Willie C. Grant, ID Theft and Tax Refund Fraud, Macon GA, 2008 · Pennsylvania
- David Rivera, Election Fraud, Nashville TN, 2016 · Washington
- Deirdre M. Daly, Election Fraud, Connecticut 2016 · Washington
- Kaeisha Robinson, Identity Theft and Tax Fraud, AZ 2023 · Indiana
- Aaron Johnson, Investment Fraud Scheme, Connecticut 2024 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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