BOISE – David Lee Brannum, the 56-year-old tax preparer known for fleecing his clients out of their hard-earned refunds, was today sentenced to 12 months and one day behind bars. The judgment comes after Brannum’s conviction for preparing falsified income tax returns through his now-defunct business, “Dave’s Tax Service.”
According to U.S. Attorney Bart Davis, the court also ordered Brannum to fork over $101,550 in restitution to the IRS and face an additional year of supervised release once he emerges from his prison sentence.
The fraudulent activities of Brannum, who now resides in Washougal, Washington, came to light when he pleaded guilty in January 2019 to one count of assisting, advising, and counseling clients to submit false federal income tax returns. His scheme spanned over a decade, from 2003 through 2015, during which he operated his business across Idaho and Nevada.
Brannum’s tactics were nothing short of sinister. He falsely inflated charitable contributions and unreimbursed employee expenses for his clients, knowing full well that these deductions were not substantiated or allowable by law. The end result? Reduced tax liabilities and illegal refunds that lined his own pockets.
This case was a textbook example of IRS Criminal Investigations Division at work, ensuring justice is served for those who misuse the trust placed in them to handle sensitive financial information.
Brannum’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder to all tax preparers: honesty is not just the best policy; it’s the only one that will keep you out of the clink.
Related Federal Cases
- Sherlann Simon Pleads Guilty to Drug Money Laundering · Washington
- Richard Ronald Wells Pleads Guilty in $338K Insurance Fraud Scheme · Washington
- Amgen Pays $71M for Pushing Drugs Off-Label · Washington
- Amgen Inc. $71M Settlement · Washington
- Western Union Scam · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- 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