Three Florida men, including Christopher Johnson, Jasen Harvey, and Arthur Grimes, have pleaded guilty to a tax fraud scheme involving false returns and fake refunds, with potential prison sentences for their crimes.
Florida Trio Admits to Massive Tax Fraud Scheme: Fake Returns and False Refunds
According to Due, three men from Florida have admitted to a big tax fraud scheme. Christopher Johnson and Jasen Harvey pleaded guilty to working together to cheat the IRS out of money. Arthur Grimes had already admitted to obstructing the IRS as part of the same scheme. Between 2015 and 2018, Johnson and Harvey prepared fake tax returns claiming large, made-up tax withholdings to get big refunds. They charged clients fees and kept part of the false refunds.
Grimes’s role included making false tax returns with Harvey’s help. He lied to the IRS and sent the refund money to a different bank account. Johnson also made false returns for 2016 and 2017, leaving out income and causing a big tax loss.
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Sentencing Dates Set: Johnson and Harvey Face Up to Five Years, Grimes Up to Three Years in Tax Fraud Case
Johnson and Harvey could each face up to five years in prison, but their sentencing dates are not set yet. Grimes will be sentenced on November 12, 2024, and he could get up to three years in prison for his actions.