⏱ 2 min read
Lawrence Okeyo, a 48-year-old professional tax return preparer from South Portland, was sentenced to two years in prison for preparing false tax returns for his clients and himself in Portland, Maine. On October 29, 2025, Okeyo was convicted following a three-day jury trial. He falsified tax returns by claiming bogus expenses, generating unwarranted tax refunds for his clients and himself.
Okeyo’s scheme involved claiming unreimbursed employee expenses that can only be deducted by a limited set of professionals, including Armed Forces reservists and qualified performing artists. However, neither Okeyo nor his clients met these qualifications. He would often collect his preparation fees, sometimes exceeding $1,000, from the tax refunds issued to his clients.
The IRS Criminal Investigation division investigated the case, which included an undercover operation where Okeyo prepared a false tax return for an agent posing as a client. Okeyo advised the agent to claim fake business expenses, warning that he would not be able to prove the expenses if audited.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Okeyo to two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Okeyo’s actions resulted in significant financial losses for the government, and his sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Maine
- Location: ME
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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