LAPLACE COUPLE CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY AND FILING FALSE INCOME TAX RETURNS
SHONDRELL CAMPBELL, age 33 and DEREK CAMPBELL, age 34, both residents of LaPlace, Louisiana, were charged in an eleven-count indictment with conspiracy, and aiding and assisting in making and subscribing false tax returns, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the indictment, the CAMPBELLS operate Unlimited Tax Service in LaPlace. The indictment alleges the defendants conspired to buy the identities of individuals who generally do not earn enough to file income tax returns. Both defendants are also charged in two counts of filing tax returns with fraudulent information and stealing the refunds paid as a result of the fraudulent returns; and SHONDRELL CAMPBELL is charged in eight additional counts of filing tax returns with fraudulent information and stealing the refunds paid as a result of the fraudulent returns.
If convicted, DEREK CAMPBELL faces a total possible sentence of eleven (11) years imprisonment, a $750,000 fine, three (3) years supervised release and restitution. SHONDRELL CAMPBELL faces a possible maximum sentence of thirty-two (32) years imprisonment, millions in fines, three (3) years supervised release and restitution.
U. S. Attorney Letten reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Financial and Computer Crime Unit.
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