Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing Over 1,000 False Income Tax Returns
A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal income tax laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Roderick M. Jones, 54, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jones prepared and presented approximately 1,015 false and fraudulent individual income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. On each return, Jones falsely claimed the individual earned household help income which qualified them for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other credits increasing the refund paid to the individuals. Jones was paid $1,000 for his services and electronically filed the false returns with the IRS.
According to the plea agreement, Jones’ scheme resulted in a significant financial loss to the government. The exact amount of the loss is not specified in the plea agreement. However, it is clear that Jones’ actions were a serious breach of the public trust.
Under the law, Jones faces a total sentence of 9 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Jones on bond. Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2018, at 3:00 p.m.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/respondent: Roderick M. Jones
Criminal Charges: Violating federal income tax laws
City and State: Erie, Pennsylvania
Date: November 19, 2018
Sentence or Outcome: A total sentence of 9 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both.
Dollar Amounts: $1,000 (payment for services), $750,000 (fine)
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime,Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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