Related Federal Cases
Riverton Tax Man Hines Gets 18 Months for $195K Fraud
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Jason Hines, 50, of Riverton, Illinois, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 18 months for systematically defrauding the IRS and his clients. Hines, who operated a tax preparation business from the 100 block of East Menard Street, fabricated losses and credits on 34 federal tax returns, costing state and federal coffers a staggering $194,910.00. The sentence, handed down on February 1, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough, sends a clear message: messing with the taxman carries serious consequences.
The scheme wasn’t a simple oversight. According to court documents, Hines willfully prepared the fraudulent returns, deliberately falsifying information related to business property loss claims and education credits. He wasn’t just making mistakes; he was actively building lies into the financial lives of his clients, and pocketing the benefit. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in March 2020, laid out ten counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns, alongside two counts of wire fraud.
Hines initially pleaded not guilty, remaining on bond since his May 2020 appearance. However, facing mounting evidence, he eventually changed course in June 2022, pleading guilty to one count of false and fraudulent statements and one count of wire fraud. While the potential penalties – up to 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, and 36 months of supervised release – were significant, Judge Myerscough ultimately settled on the 18-month prison term, followed by a three-year stretch of supervised release.
But prison isn’t the only price Hines will pay. Judge Myerscough also ordered him to pay full restitution, meaning he’s responsible for returning the entire $194,910.00 he illegally obtained. This isn’t just about punishing Hines; it’s about attempting to make the victims – the government and, indirectly, honest taxpayers – whole again. The investigation, a joint effort between the IRS – Criminal Investigations Division and the Illinois Department of Revenue, demonstrates the power of interagency cooperation in tackling financial crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Bass skillfully prosecuted the case, building a solid case based on meticulous financial records and investigative work. This case highlights the IRS’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit the tax system for personal gain. It’s a reminder that tax fraud isn’t a victimless crime; it erodes public trust and burdens honest citizens.
Thinking of hiring a tax preparer? Do your homework. The IRS offers resources to help you find reputable professionals and even provides assistance with preparing your own returns. Visit https://www.irs.gov/help-resources to protect yourself and ensure your taxes are filed correctly. Don’t become another victim of a crooked tax man like Jason Hines.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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