Jacksonville Resident Indicted for Alleged Preparation of False Federal Tax Returns

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A grand jury today indicted a Jacksonville, Ill., man for allegedly aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns. The indictment alleges that West Mpetshi (ma-pet-shē), 36, of the 500 block of Beecher Ave., added false deductions and credits to income tax returns he prepared in 2015 and 2016.

The U.S. Clerk of the Court will issue a summons to Mpetshi to appear in federal court in Springfield for arraignment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris, and was investigated by the IRS, Criminal Investigation.

If convicted, each of the four counts charged carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.