Michelle A. Morin, Tax Evasion, Texas 2014

Laredo Woman Arrested for Tax Evasion Scam

Michelle A. Morin, a local tax preparer, has been arrested and charged with allegedly stealing more than $220,000 from the government through a tax evasion scheme. According to the indictment, Morin aided and assisted in the preparation of false and fraudulent income tax returns between 2007 and 2010.

The indictment alleges that Morin prepared 14 fraudulent tax returns for seven different taxpayers, resulting in a total tax harm of more than $220,000 to the United States. The returns allegedly claimed business losses, interest and taxes paid, gifts to charity, job expenses, miscellaneous deductions, and residential energy credits that the taxpayers were not entitled to.

Morin was arrested yesterday on a sealed indictment that was returned on January 22, 2014. She appeared before US Magistrate Court Judge Scott Hacker, who permitted her release on a $75,000 cash/surety bond and surrendered her U.S. passport.

As a tax preparer, Morin had a responsibility to ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of the tax returns she prepared. Instead, she allegedly used her position to commit a serious crime that resulted in significant financial losses for the government.

The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sanjeev Bhasker. If convicted, Morin faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

Morin is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law. The investigation into the tax evasion scheme is ongoing, and it is unclear at this time whether Morin acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy.

The IRS-Criminal Investigation has been working tirelessly to combat tax evasion and other financial crimes in the Laredo area. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and ensuring the accuracy and legitimacy of tax returns.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/tax-preparer-arrested-allegedly-stealing-more-220000-government