Tax Fraud Chronicle: Going Against the Norm

Recent Tax Cases Highlighted: Kratom Ka-Boom, Tax Evasion, and Stolen Checks

The recent tax cases have brought to light some shocking revelations of tax evasion and fraud by individuals across the country. From Brooklyn to Missouri, Texas to Connecticut, tax preparers, business owners, and individuals have been caught in the act of defrauding the IRS.

In New York, Melinda Jacob, a tax preparer, has been permanently barred from preparing federal returns after pleading guilty to falsely claiming credits, deductions, and refunds for clients. She must notify all clients for whom she prepared returns after January 1, 2019, of the injunction.

In Missouri, Chelli Payne has been sentenced to prison for failing to pay over employment taxes, causing a tax loss of over $1 million to the IRS. She was also ordered to pay restitution for the amount owed.

In Texas, John L. Petrone, a businessman who evaded federal taxes while running businesses selling an herbal extract known as “kratom,” has been sentenced to prison for not filing tax returns and causing a tax loss of over $529,000.

In Houston, Whitley Rachelle Carter has been sentenced to prison for cashing stolen tax checks as part of a scheme with co-conspirators. She was ordered to pay millions in restitution to banks.

In Illinois, timber buyer Kenin L. Edwards has been sentenced to prison for underreporting income and causing tax losses to the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.

In North Carolina, business owner Peter Anthony Thomas has pleaded guilty to failing to pay over federal trust fund taxes for his businesses, causing a total tax loss of over $2.5 million.

In Connecticut, business owner Bill G. Makros has pleaded guilty to tax evasion by concealing income from his tree service business and failing to file tax returns or pay taxes on profits.

And in another case in Connecticut, commercial fisherman Brian Kobus has pleaded guilty to evading income tax on over $1.4 million in fishing income, causing a tax loss of nearly $378,000.

These cases serve as a reminder that tax evasion and fraud will not go unpunished, and individuals who attempt to cheat the system will face consequences. The IRS is cracking down on tax evaders, and those caught will be held accountable for their actions.