Doris Kelley, 65, of Gulfport, Mississippi, has pleaded guilty to obstructing the internal revenue laws and aiding in the preparation of a false tax return. The guilty plea was announced by Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Harold Brittain for the Southern District of Mississippi.
According to documents filed with the court and information presented at the plea hearing, Kelley operated a tax return preparation business from her home in Gulfport. Kelley instructed several of her clients, who owed income taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to write payment checks directly to her rather than to the IRS. Kelley kept these funds for herself and used most of the money to gamble at local casinos.
Typically, Kelley provided copies of accurate returns to her clients, but then did not file any return with the IRS. In some cases, she also filed false returns in her clients’ names without their knowledge. Kelley made hundreds of thousands of dollars from her scheme and caused a tax loss of more than $495,000.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 7. Kelley faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison on both counts. She also faces a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. The exact sentence will depend on the court’s decision, but it is clear that Kelley will face significant consequences for her actions.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Brittain commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris and Trial Attorney Nathan Brooks of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case. The investigation and prosecution of Kelley’s case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to combating tax fraud and holding those who engage in it accountable.
The case against Kelley serves as a reminder of the importance of taxpayers being vigilant when selecting a tax return preparer. It is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy preparer to avoid becoming a victim of tax fraud. The IRS and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to identify and prosecute those who engage in tax fraud and other financial crimes.
In addition to the charges against Kelley, the case highlights the need for increased awareness and education about tax fraud and its consequences. The Tax Division and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to provide information and resources to taxpayers and tax professionals to help prevent tax fraud and promote compliance with tax laws.
Related Federal Cases
- Army Families Ripped Off: $31M Kickback · Mississippi
- Ski Mask Bandit Carjacker Jailed for Nine Years · Mississippi
- Madman Burns Mormon Church, Sentenced to 30 Years · Mississippi
- Arson Attack on Jewish Institutions: Teen Held for Beth Israel Blaze · Mississippi
- FDIC Appoints Five New Members to Advisory Committee on Community Banking · Mississippi
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News