Texas Return Preparer Pleads Guilty in Scheme Seeking More Than $35 Million in False Refunds
WASHINGTON — Marquis Al Bey of Forney, Texas, has pleaded guilty for his role in a tax refund fraud conspiracy that sought to obtain more than $35 million through false tax returns, the Justice Department announced. Bey owned and operated Creative Associates, Inc., a tax return preparation business that advertised itself as located in North Carolina while serving clients including some in Maryland.
As part of his plea, Bey admitted preparing seven false returns between 2017 and 2021 for a co-defendant and another Maryland individual that collectively sought more than $35 million from the IRS. Two of the returns resulted in refunds totaling more than $10 million, of which Bey received a 10 percent share; he used a portion of the proceeds to purchase a home in Texas. He charged clients for his services and in some cases required them to agree to pay him a percentage of any refund.
A federal grand jury in Maryland had returned a superseding indictment in December 2023 charging Bey and his co-defendant with conspiracy to defraud the United States, aiding and assisting in the preparation of false returns, and theft of government funds. Bey's sentencing is set for January 22, 2027; he faces up to five years in prison, plus supervised release and monetary penalties. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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