Larry Dean Gibbs, Filing False Tax Returns, Illinois 2024

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Pembroke Township Man Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Prison for Filing False Tax Returns

URBANA, Ill. – In a stunning case of repeated deception, Larry Dean Gibbs, 63, of Pembroke Township in Kankakee County, Illinois, was sentenced to 6 ½ years of imprisonment for filing false tax returns on October 28, 2024.

Gibbs, a repeat offender, was convicted of filing three false federal tax returns following a jury trial held at the U.S. Courthouse in Urbana in March of this year. The trial revealed that Gibbs filed three federal income tax returns for the tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014, each falsely claiming that he had earned $10 million in annual income from the ‘Larry Dean Gibbs Estate.’ He also falsely claimed that the IRS withheld over $3 million per year from his earnings each year and that he was entitled to refunds totaling over $6.8 million.

According to the sentencing court, Gibbs had just been released from federal prison for a prior conviction for filing a false federal tax return in 2005, when he had obtained a $66,282 refund to which he was not entitled. The court further stated that Gibbs had obstructed justice during the trial by falsely claiming that he was a member of the Maipuri Arauan Nation and that a treaty between that tribe and the United States required tribal members to be seated on his jury.

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce found that Gibbs had continued to file nonsensical sovereign citizen documents with the court, despite the court’s clear warnings against such frivolous, docket-clogging activity. The court’s findings highlighted Gibbs’ pattern of behavior, which has resulted in repeated convictions and sentences.

In addition to imprisonment, Judge Bruce sentenced Gibbs to serve one year of supervised release following his release from the federal Bureau of Prisons. Gibbs will be required to report to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his sentence of imprisonment on January 7, 2025. He currently remains released on conditions of bond, which include home detention.

U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris stated, ‘Fraud upon the government ultimately harms honest taxpayers. Our office will vigorously prosecute these important cases, including those involving repeat offenders such as the defendant.’ The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office, and the FBI, Chicago Field Office, with Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Eugene L. Miller representing the government in the prosecution.

The case highlights the government’s commitment to holding accountable those who seek to exploit our tax laws for personal gain. The sentencing reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring equity for hardworking Americans and upholding the integrity of the tax system.