MOBILE, AL – Carrie Mae Jones, a Mobile, Alabama woman running two tax preparation businesses, is headed to federal prison after admitting to a years-long scheme to file fraudulent tax returns. Jones, the operator of Agee’s Outreach Tax Service and Royalty Queen Tax Service, received a two-year sentence from Judge Terry F. Moorer on Thursday.
Court records detail how Jones acted as a “ghost preparer,” meaning she prepared returns without digitally signing them – a major red flag for taxpayers. Between 2019 and 2022, Jones filed at least 34 false or fraudulent returns, enriching herself while defrauding the system. The scope of the operation points to a calculated effort to exploit the tax system for personal gain.
The fraud didn’t go unnoticed. IRS Criminal Investigation agents uncovered the scheme, leading to federal charges and ultimately, Jones’ conviction. The investigation revealed a pattern of deliberate misreporting and fabrication of data on the tax returns, impacting dozens of filers. The brazen nature of the operation highlights the dangers of unchecked, unethical tax preparers.
“Carrie Jones represents many of the unethical tax preparers we advise filers to avoid by doing research on the business before using their services,” stated Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Not signing tax returns is just one of several indicators that someone is dealing with a ghost preparer.” Hardeman’s statement serves as a warning to taxpayers: due diligence is crucial when selecting a tax professional.
Judge Moorer didn’t just hand down a prison sentence. Jones was also ordered to pay $419,452 in restitution, meaning she’ll be required to repay the money she illegally obtained. Following her two-year imprisonment, Jones will face an additional year of supervised release, ensuring continued monitoring of her activities. The financial penalty aims to compensate those harmed by her criminal actions.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama announced the sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasee Heisterhagen prosecuted the case, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to pursuing and punishing those who engage in tax fraud. This case serves as a stark reminder that attempting to cheat the system carries serious consequences, and those who exploit the tax laws will be held accountable. The IRS Criminal Investigation continues to aggressively pursue cases of tax fraud across the nation.
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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