Two local men were charged in Indictments filed by a federal grand jury with filing false tax returns, according to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Stephen R. Wigginton.

Preston H.L. Pitts, from East St. Louis, Illinois, was indicted for filing a false 2008 federal income tax return. The indictment alleges that Pitts provided false W-2 information that falsely reported an employer, falsely reported wages, and falsely reported taxes withheld.

Jerome L. Neal, Jr., from Belleville, Illinois, was indicted for filing a false 2008 federal income tax return. The indictment alleges that Neal provided false W-2 information that falsely reported an employer, falsely reported wages, and falsely reported taxes withheld.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, that charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Each offense carries a maximum possible punishment of up to three (3) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, restitution and up to one (1) year supervised release.

The prosecution is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Norman R. Smith.

If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by contacting the local Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigation Office at (618) 622-2160 or by mailing information to: Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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