Taressa Hightower, Tax Fraud, Massachusetts 2021

Woman Behind Bogus Charities in Georgia Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

BOSTON, MA – A woman from Grayson, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns after being accused of running two fake charitable organizations in the Atlanta area.

Taressa Hightower, 60, was charged with two counts of filing false tax returns. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for July 12, 2021.

According to court documents, Hightower received more than $650,000 in alleged donations from a bank in Boston between 2010 and 2015. However, the money was actually the result of an embezzlement scheme carried out by Hightower’s family members, Jonathan Ace and his wife Palestine Ace.

As part of the scheme, Hightower agreed to return 25% of the donations to Jonathan and Palestine Ace as a secret kickback. Instead of using the funds for charitable purposes, Hightower spent the majority on personal expenses unrelated to any charity work.

For tax years 2013 and 2014, Hightower filed false personal and organizational tax returns, claiming significant amounts of non-existent and/or inflated business expenses that lowered her personal tax liability.

Hightower’s family members, Jonathan and Palestine Ace, were previously convicted of embezzlement and sentenced to one year and two years in prison, respectively.

The charging statute allows for a sentence of up to three years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordi de Llano is prosecuting the case.

Hightower’s guilty plea is the latest development in a case that highlights the darker side of charitable giving. The public is reminded to be cautious when donating to charitable organizations and to research the organization thoroughly before making a donation.

The case is a reminder that those who engage in tax fraud will be held accountable for their actions. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

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