Filmon Tekle, 34, Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Falsifying Tax Returns
A St. Louis tax preparer has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for obstructing the administration of the internal revenue laws. Filmon Tekle, 34, was found guilty of one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and four counts of falsifying tax returns.
According to court documents, Tekle operated tax preparation stores under several different names between 2013 and 2015. He paid nominees to obtain Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) for the operating years of 2014 to 2015. New employees at the tax preparation businesses were trained to report the existence of Schedule C income without the necessary documentation.
Tekle instructed the employees on how to prepare the returns and how to interact with customers. He facilitated the filing of numerous false income tax returns between 2013 and 2015, charging significant fees for the filing of the false tax returns and paying a kickback to the preparers after the refund checks were mailed to the business.
The total loss to the Internal Revenue Service as a result of the false tax returns filed is at least $167,469. This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Jeannette Graviss handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Co-defendants Eddie Buren and LaJohnda Dunger are also involved in the case. Buren is awaiting trial, while Dunger has pleaded guilty and is set to be sentenced on July 17, 2018.
The U.S. tax system depends on the voluntary compliance of taxpayers and the skill and integrity of tax professionals, according to U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Tekle’s sentence is a result of his actions, which undermined the integrity of the tax system. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in the tax preparation industry.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime