Monroe tax preparer sentenced to 57 months in prison for filing false returns

MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Monroe tax preparer was sentenced Monday to 57 months in prison for filing multiple false tax returns.

Richard Allan Scott, 38, of Monroe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James for multiple counts of aiding or subscribing a false tax return.  He was also sentenced to one year of supervised release and was ordered to pay $338,380 restitution. Evidence admitted at the three-day trial, which ended on September 11, 2015, revealed that more than 50 false tax returns for years 2011 and 2012 were prepared. Many of the returns contained fictitious information pertaining to W-2 withholdings, dependent care expenses and tax credits. The total amount stolen during the scheme was approximately $338,380.

IRS-Criminal Investigations and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.