The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds all Hoosiers that the deadline for filing federal income tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2019. Although the filing season is nearing the end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division work year round to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax system by investigating and prosecuting individuals who violate the tax laws.

“All citizens are charged with filing honest and accurate tax returns. Those who break the law by committing tax fraud or assist in the filing of dishonest returns on behalf of others are subject to federal prosecution, which may include federal prison sentences,” said Minkler.

“Taxpayers thinking about participating in fraudulent tax schemes, such as failing to report all forms of income or falsifying deductions should take a good look at the serious and detrimental consequences of taking the next step,” stated Special Agent in Charge Gabe Grchan of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. “Those who might consider preparing false and fraudulent tax returns should be aware of the extremely negative consequences that could result in prison time, large tax bills, including substantial fines, interest and penalties.”

As the tax filing season winds down next week, the following court actions serve as a reminder to taxpayers, to think before filing a false or fraudulent tax return and to be wary of any schemes that falsify your income or deductions.

NORMAN FLICK, of Indianapolis, and GEORGE RUTH have been indicted for conspiracy to defraud the IRS by submitting false claims related to federal tax refunds. The indictment alleges that FLICK and RUTH submitted federal tax returns to the IRS in attempts to obtain $3.7 of fraudulent tax refunds. FLICK and RUTH face up to 10 years’ imprisonment. 

JOHN L. WILLIAMS recently pleaded guilty to multiple charges including tax evasion. WILLIAMS concealed $5.6 million of income from the IRS and willfully evaded the payment of $1.9 million in federal income taxes. WILLIAMS is awaiting sentencing.

STANLEY ESTIMPHILE was convicted and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for assisting in making false tax returns. ESTIMPHILE included false Schedules C and false American Opportunity Credit claims on his clients’ federal tax returns without their knowledge in Washington, Indiana. ESTIMPHILE was ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution to the IRS. 

TAIWO ONUMUTI was convicted and sentenced to 204 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay over $4.8 million in restitution for his involvement in making false federal tax refund claims against the IRS using stolen taxpayer identities. 

An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.