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Two Louisiana Tax Preparers Plead Guilty to Tax Fraud Conspiracy
Washington – In a shocking case of tax fraud, two Louisiana tax preparers have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. Morgan Antoine and Jennifer Austin, owners of Pelicans Income Tax and Payroll Service in Kenner and Westwego, Louisiana, were charged with preparing false tax returns for their clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Antoine and Austin conspired to file false tax returns for clients of their tax preparation business from January through April 2015. They prepared client returns reporting false income and withholdings in order to generate larger tax refunds. In addition to preparing false returns for her clients, Antoine also filed a fraudulent personal return that claimed a false dependent.
The tax loss caused by Antoine and Austin’s actions is staggering, with a total loss of over $550,000. This is a clear example of how tax preparers can take advantage of their clients and the tax system for personal gain.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance has scheduled sentencing for May 26, 2021. At sentencing, Antoine and Austin each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
This case highlights the importance of tax enforcement and the need for tax preparers to act with integrity. The IRS-Criminal Investigation has conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Jessica Kraft and William Montague of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on their website.
In this case, Morgan Antoine and Jennifer Austin have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. They will face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. The total tax loss caused by their actions is over $550,000.
Defendant: Morgan Antoine
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to defraud the United States
City and State: Kenner, Louisiana
Date: February 10, 2021
Sentence: Up to 5 years in prison, supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties
Tax Loss: Over $550,000
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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