Yolanda Dewar, False Tax Refund, Florida 2020

Florida woman Yolanda Dewar pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns with the IRS to fraudulently obtain tax refunds. Dewar used a trust she created to file four false tax returns, seeking nearly $2 million in tax refunds.

The scheme unraveled when the IRS notified Dewar that her claims were frivolous and had no basis in law. Dewar continued filing false returns, despite the warnings, and the IRS issued nearly $500,000 to the trust in response. Dewar allegedly used a portion of the refunds to purchase a car for a family member, get plastic surgery, and renovate her home.

The investigation revealed that between 2018 and 2020, Dewar created a trust and sought fraudulent refunds from the IRS. She was found to have filed false tax returns on behalf of the trust, despite being notified that her claims were frivolous.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case, with trial attorneys Melissa S. Siskind, Kavitha Bondada, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Deric Zacca prosecuting the case.

Dewar is scheduled to be sentenced on October 24. She faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors will be considered by the federal district court judge when determining the sentence.

Dewar's crimes include filing false tax returns, which is a federal offense. The case highlights the importance of taxpayers adhering to tax laws and regulations.

Defendant: Yolanda Dewar

Criminal Charges: Filing false tax returns

City and State: Sunrise, Florida

Exact Date: Between 2018 and 2020

Sentence or Outcome: Scheduled to be sentenced on October 24, faces up to three years in prison and monetary penalties

Dollar Amounts: $2 million in tax refunds sought, $500,000 issued to the trust

Source: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/florida-woman-pleads-guilty-filing-false-tax-refund-claims