Deceitful Tax Preparer Headed to Prison

St. Louis, MO – Asmerom “Ace” Keleta was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and prepared fraudulent tax returns.  He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $662,645.

According to court documents, Keleta operated University City Tax Service starting in 2012.  He conspired with employees Miyoshi Lewis and Teklom Paulos to prepare fraudulent tax returns for clients.  He directed the employees to fraudulently inflate client tax refunds by listing false American Opportunity educational tax credits and federal fuel tax credits as well as creating false Schedule C income in order to fraudulently maximize the Earned Income Credits.  Keleta also prepared false tax returns for clients.  Keleta, as the owner of University City Tax Service, received a percentage of the clients’ inflated tax returns.            

Keleta, 33, of St. Louis, was found guilty by a federal jury on conspiring to defraud the United States through tax fraud and preparing fraudulent tax returns.  He appeared before U.S. District Judge Ronnie White.

“This tax preparer exploited tax credits designed to assist the working poor and middle class families who seek higher education,” said U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.  “This stiff sentence will help protect the integrity of our voluntary tax system.”

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Dianna Collins.