Scott Douglas Cutting Sr., 69, of Apple Valley, was found guilty Thursday on six felony counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns, capping a years-long scheme that ripped off the IRS for over $1 million in illicit refunds.
The federal jury in Los Angeles returned its verdict after two hours of deliberation, convicting Cutting in a case that exposed a cold, calculated fraud targeting low- or no-income individuals whose personal information was exploited without consent. The trial revealed he filed approximately 314 bogus returns between 2008 and 2012, falsely claiming income and tax credits to manufacture refunds.
Cutting, who falsely claimed to be a licensed CPA despite his license lapsing in 1989, didn’t just file the returns—he hijacked them. Refunds were directed straight into his own bank accounts. Victims often received nothing, or a pittance, while Cutting pocketed hundreds or even thousands per return.
He operated in the shadows, electronically submitting the fraudulent filings without disclosing himself as the preparer. In many cases, he had no legal authority to act on behalf of taxpayers, yet used their names, Social Security numbers, and even those of their dependents to fabricate entire returns from scratch.
The IRS issued approximately $1.09 million in refunds as a result of Cutting’s deception. The investigation, led by IRS Criminal Investigation, unraveled a paper trail of falsified documents and unauthorized access that painted a damning picture of systemic fraud.
Cutting faces up to 18 years in federal prison. He is scheduled for sentencing before United States District Judge George H. Wu on June 27. Assistant United States Attorneys Veronica M.A. Alegría and Bryant Y. Yang prosecuted the case. The jury acquitted Cutting on one count.
Related Federal Cases
- Tax Fixer Gets 18 Months for $1.2M Fraud Scheme · Alaska
- John Visconti Convicted in $7M Axium Tax Fraud Scheme · California
- Richmond Man Hugh Robinson Convicted in $1.2M Tax Fraud Scheme · Texas
- Bellevue Tycoon Hazelrigg Indicted for Tax Fraud and SSN Misuse · Washington
- Cook Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud Scheme in Utah · Utah
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News