HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – With the deadline for filing income tax returns rapidly approaching, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Division, jointly announced a warning to those who are thinking about breaking the law by committing tax crimes.
Jeremy Baney, age 48, an inmate at SCI Smithfield, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on May 2, 2018, to aiding and assisting in making false statements to the IRS. Baney admitted to being involved in a prison tax scheme from November 17, 2009 through February 25, 2012.
Baney obtained names and social security numbers of inmates to file false tax returns or would send that information to a former inmate who would then prepare and file the fraudulent 1040EZ tax returns with fictitious wages and holdings in order to get a tax refund. The government is alleging that Baney attempted to receive tax refunds totaling $236,407, to which he was not entitled to receive.
“Individuals who fail to file tax returns in a timely manner are taking advantage of the honest taxpayers who finance the government’s operations, and subject themselves to criminal prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney David J. Freed.
Over the last year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted and convicted numerous individuals for filing false federal tax returns and committing tax evasion. Defendants have received substantial sentences for tax fraud, ranging from several years in prison to home confinement.
Restitution is mandatory and often includes substantial interest and penalties. For example, in Baney’s case, he is awaiting sentencing.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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