BIRMINGHAM — In a shocking turn of events, a federal judge has sentenced tax preparer Pamela Whitt to two years in prison for filing false tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman.
The case against Whitt, who was also known as Pamela Motley, began in July when she pleaded guilty to her role in filing false tax returns. According to her plea agreement, Whitt made false representations on her 2011 and 2012 individual tax returns by willfully underreporting receipts from her business and further falsely listed her filing status as single.
The receipts related to over 1,000 federal income tax returns prepared by Whitt. In addition to filing her own false tax returns, Whitt also filed false tax returns for her clients, to inflate the amount of tax refund they would receive. Whitt agreed to pay restitution of $146,177.00.
The investigation into Whitt’s activities was led by IRS-CI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey prosecuting the case.
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to aggressively pursue those who threaten the integrity of the tax system," Town said. "Dishonest and abusive tax preparers like Whitt, who make their living preparing and filing false tax returns, will be charged with federal crimes and will go to federal prison."
"As we enter the tax return filing season, it is important that every taxpayer reviews their tax return and verifies that all of the information is correct on that return. This case is a prime example of a return preparer who was not credible," said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Whitt’s sentencing was a significant milestone in the case, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty for the victims of her crimes. The two-year prison sentence serves as a reminder that tax preparers who engage in fraudulent activities will be held accountable for their actions.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the tax system. "We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and investigate tax-related crimes," he said.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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