Destina Yetta Parker, a registered tax preparer, is facing the consequences of her actions after being sentenced to five years of probation for aiding and assisting the preparation of a false or fraudulent return statement and willfully failing to file a tax return in the Southern District of Alabama.
Acting United States Attorney Steve Butler of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Senior United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Destina Yetta Parker on August 22, 2017, to serve a term of five years on probation. The defendant, who is also known as Desinta Yetta Parker, pleaded guilty on April 25, 2017, to the charges of Aiding and Assisting the Preparation of a False or Fraudulent Return Statement in violation of 26 USC § 7206(2) and Willfully Failing to File a Tax Return in violation of 26 USC § 7203.
Judge Steele ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $66,928.00 as a condition of her probation. The investigation revealed that the defendant electronically filed seventeen income tax returns with unverifiable Household Help (HSH) income for the tax years 2011 and 2012. Most of the returns reported just enough unverifiable HSH income to qualify for the maximum amount of Earned Income Credit and thus receive a larger income tax refund.
Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service learned from the defendant’s clients that many of the clients were unaware of HSH income. Some of the clients admitted that they never performed the work indicated on their tax returns. The defendant failed to file a personal income tax return for the tax year 2013.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lawrence J. Bullard and Michael D. Anderson for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Parker’s actions not only affected her clients but also the integrity of the tax system. Her sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in financial transactions.
The Southern District of Alabama continues to work tirelessly to combat tax evasion and other financial crimes. This case demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensuring that individuals and businesses comply with tax laws and regulations.
In conclusion, Destina Yetta Parker’s sentence is a result of her actions, which had severe consequences for her clients and the tax system. It serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar activities.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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