Maria Antoinette Martin, Tax Fraud, West Virginia 2013

A Logan County woman has been held accountable for her role in a major tax scheme that cheated the Treasury out of nearly $200,000. Maria Antoinette Martin, 64, of Chapmanville, was sentenced to five years of probation, with five months of this sentence to be served on home incarceration, and ordered to pay $188,665 in restitution for preparing fraudulent tax returns, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.

Martin’s crimes, which took place from 2011 through 2013, involved preparing a total of 43 fraudulent tax returns from her home. She knowingly falsified Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits for her clients, despite knowing they did not qualify for these inflated tax credits. By making these false claims, Martin increased the amount of federal income tax refunds for her clients, and once the returns were electronically filed, she received the tax refunds by direct deposit into bank accounts designated by her clients.

Martin then split the tax refunds with her clients, leaving the United States Treasury significantly out of pocket. As a result of her fraud, the Treasury paid out $188,665 in fraudulent refunds. The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation unit conducted the investigation, while Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

The case highlights the importance of accountability in the tax system, and the serious consequences that come with cheating the government. By preparing fraudulent tax returns, Martin not only cheated her clients out of their rightful refunds, but also cheated the Treasury out of a significant amount of money that could have been used for public goods and services.

The sentencing of Maria Antoinette Martin serves as a reminder that tax crimes will be taken seriously by law enforcement, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities, and to take steps to ensure they are filing their own tax returns accurately and honestly.

Martin’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in the tax system, and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions. By working together, we can ensure that the tax system is fair and equitable for all.

We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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