Roberts Tax Pro Nabbed in $400K Fraud Scheme

ST. LOUIS – Robyn T. Roberts, owner of Roberts Tax Professionals, has officially thrown in the towel, pleading guilty to a litany of federal charges stemming from a brazen tax fraud scheme. Judge Henry E. Autrey accepted the guilty plea today, bringing Roberts one step closer to facing the consequences for bilking the system and exploiting taxpayers.

The indictment, handed down earlier this year by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Missouri, detailed a calculated operation where Roberts allegedly fabricated tax returns to generate over $400,000 in fraudulent refunds. The charges include two counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and five counts of tax fraud – a serious blow to the integrity of the tax system.

According to investigators, Roberts didn’t just fudge the numbers; she actively stole social security numbers and invented dependents, education expenses, and business losses, not only for herself but for unsuspecting taxpayers who entrusted her with their financial information. This wasn’t a simple oversight – it was a deliberate and damaging abuse of trust.

“Tax preparers have a duty to their clients to prepare complete and accurate tax returns that comply with the law,” stated Tyler Hatcher, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s St. Louis Field Office. “IRS-CI’s efforts to investigate and prosecute tax fraud are critical to overall compliance. Our Special Agents play an important role in protecting not only honest taxpayers from criminal activity, but the nation’s revenue as well.” The IRS-Criminal Investigations division led the probe, digging through layers of deception to expose the scheme.

Roberts’ scheme demonstrates a callous disregard for the law and the hard-working Americans who faithfully pay their taxes. The overpayment of $400,000 represents a significant loss to the federal government and a betrayal of public trust. The investigation uncovered a pattern of deceit, meticulously crafted to enrich Roberts at the expense of others.

Roberts is now awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for March 3, 2022. While the exact penalty remains to be determined, she faces significant jail time and financial penalties for her crimes. This case serves as a stark warning to anyone considering exploiting the tax system – the IRS is watching, and justice will be served. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses.