A Pittsburgh-area tax preparation business owner has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for aiding in the preparation of false federal income tax returns.
John C. Thornton, age 75, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, was convicted of Aiding or Assisting in the Preparation or Filing of False Federal Income Tax Returns.
The crime occurred between 2012 and 2017, during which time IRS investigators uncovered a high pattern of personal income tax returns containing Schedule C forms. Investigators found that Thornton and tax preparers at his business falsified these forms.
United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Thornton, ordering him to make restitution in the amount of $511,718.50.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung commended the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thornton.
Thornton, the owner and operator of Tax Centers of America franchises in Pittsburgh, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months’ incarceration and two years’ supervised release. He is to serve 18 months in prison and make restitution of $511,718.50.
The sentencing occurred on an unspecified date in an unspecified month, however the timeframe given was between 2012 and 2017. The investigation into Thornton’s business began during this time.
Related Federal Cases
- Earlene L. Clancy, Aiding False Tax Returns, PA 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Leib Admits $800K Tax Dodge, Pennsylvania, N/A · Pennsylvania
- Aliyu, Tax Refund Fraud, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Jioio’s Owner Skims Cash, Faces Fed Tax Evasion, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Owusu, Tax Refund Fraud, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
