Waynesboro, Georgia Tax Preparer Indicted For Preparing False Tax Returns

AUGUSTA, GA: Carlos Newton, 43, from Waynesboro, Georgia, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Savannah earlier this month for his role in the preparation of numerous false and fraudulent federal tax returns.  Newton was arraigned on his federal charges yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Leon Barfield.

According to allegations within the indictment, Newton held himself out as an income tax preparer for hire from 2009 through 2011.  During this time, Newton put fictitious businesses, fictitious income, and fictitious expenses on federal income tax forms, which fraudulently qualified some of his clients for refunds through the earned income tax credit.  Newton would then allegedly take a cut of the refunds fraudulently received. 

The indictment charges Newton with 22 separate counts of preparing false tax returns.  If convicted, Newton faces a maximum statutory penalty of 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.  An indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt.  The Defendant is entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the Government’s burden to prove the Defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

            Special Agent Roger M. Garland of IRS Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation which led to the indictment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lamont A. Belk.  For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.