Suite 2001
                                                        211 West Fort Street
                                                        Detroit, Michigan 48226-3277

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Gina Balaya (313) 226-9758
             Stephen Moore, IRS CI (313) 628-3307

April 9, 2004

United States Attorney Jeffrey Collins and Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Mark Kroczynski, announced that on April 6, 2004, Shiela Allen, 45, of Detroit, Michigan, was arraigned on charges stemming from a March 16, 2004 indictment on 40 counts of filing false claims with the Internal Revenue Service.

According to the indictment, from 1999 through 2001, Ms. Allen prepared fraudulent tax returns for at least 14 different individuals knowing that they contained false computations relating to the gross income of these taxpayers, which resulted in claims of refunds. Total tax refunds claimed amounted to over $87,000.

Mr. Kroczynski stated, "With April 15 fast approaching, it's important that people choose their return preparer wisely. This indictment alleges yet another classic scheme where taxpayers need to exercise care when selecting a tax return preparer. The public has to remember that regardless of who prepares your tax return, the taxpayer is ultimately responsible for the content of their return and for the repayment of that fraudulent refund, along with possible penalties and interest. When these schemes occur, it costs all honest taxpayers money, but don't allow yourself to be a victim where it may actually cost you even more."

Making a false claim to the Internal Revenue Service is in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 287. Each count of conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mr. Collins commended the special agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation for their work in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leibson is prosecuting the case.