Benell English, Tax Return Preparer False Filings, Florida 2024

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Benell English, 57, of Pensacola, is facing serious heat after a federal grand jury slapped him with eighteen counts of preparing false tax returns. The charges stem from a years-long scheme, and English was arraigned Friday in U.S. District Court, facing the music for allegedly padding returns for clients and pocketing the difference.

According to the indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Christopher P. Canova for the Northern District of Florida, English, operating out of Select Tax Service in Pensacola, allegedly filed bogus returns with the IRS between 2013 and 2017. The feds say he wasn’t just making small errors; he was deliberately inflating deductions, fabricating business losses and profits on Schedule C forms, and even messing with reported household employee income.

This isn’t some victimless crime. English is accused of systematically cheating the system, robbing the federal government – and ultimately, taxpayers – of revenue. Each count carries a hefty potential penalty: up to three years in the federal penitentiary. That means English could be looking at a seriously long stretch if convicted on even a fraction of the charges.

The investigation, a joint effort by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, suggests this was a calculated effort to defraud the government. Federal agents have been digging into English’s business practices for some time, building a case that now appears ready for trial. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is leading the prosecution.

It’s important to remember that an indictment is just that – an accusation. English is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, the weight of eighteen felony counts paints a grim picture. The trial is currently scheduled for April 19, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, where the government will attempt to prove its case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, one of 94 nationwide, is tasked with prosecuting federal crimes. Those seeking access to court documents can find them on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. More information about the office is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments.

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