GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Durant, Mississippi’s Teresa Chism has been hit with a 60-month federal prison sentence for orchestrating a massive tax fraud scheme. The IRS estimates that Chism’s scheme siphoned over $3.5 million from the US Treasury.
Chism, who operated under the aliases Mo’ Money, MoneyCo USA, and Lady T Taxes, is accused of falsifying more than 550 income tax returns between 2005 and 2015. Her deceptive tactics included inflating wages, self-employment income, and expenses, as well as fabricating education credits.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division echoed the nation’s怒 at tax fraud. ‘Dishonest tax return preparers cause serious financial harm to our country,’ Zuckerman stated. ‘Our commitment to prosecution is unwavering.’
U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, Southern District of Mississippi, vowed justice for taxpayers. ‘Those who put their greed above their duty will face swift and certain justice,’ Hurst declared.
The IRS Criminal Investigation’s Special Agent in Charge, Thomas J. Holloman III, emphasized the impact of such schemes. ‘It’s a great day for every taxpaying citizen when a participant in their criminal scheme is held accountable,’ Holloman said.
U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate ordered Chism to pay $135,134 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release following her prison term. The IRS Criminal Investigation agents, Trial Attorney William Montague, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall were commended for their roles in bringing Chism to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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