FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2003

BIRMINGHAM TAX RETURN PREPARERS PLEAD GUILTY
IN FRAUDULENT TAX REFUND SCHEME

Alice H. Martin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, and Andre' C. Martin, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, announce that TRACY RENAY BYRON, age 29, and REGINALD DEWAYNE BYRON, age 31, both of Birmingham, each pled guilty on March 3, 2003, to conspiracy to file false claims for tax refunds.

According to Martin, the BYRONS were charged with participation in a scheme to file false claims for refunds with the IRS. "In the scheme, the Byrons prepared and used false W-2 forms, caused returns to be filed with false listings of dependents, and obtained and assisted others in obtaining false identification cards. The indictment alleges that the Byrons caused 32 fraudulent tax returns to be filed claiming false refunds of approximately $129,244.00," stated Martin.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2003, before United States District Judge C. Lynwood Smith. The Byrons were indicted on the charges on December 30, 2002. TRACY RENAY BYRON could receive a maximum of ten (10) years in prison and a fine of up to $ 250,000.00. REGINALD DEWAYNE BYRON could receive a maximum of ten (10) years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney George A. Martin is prosecuting the case.

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