Tax Preparer Indicted for Assisting in the Filing Of False Tax Returns

Baltimore, Maryland - A federal grand jury has indicted Obinna Felix Ukwu, age 53, of Perry Hall, Maryland, on charges of aiding in the filing of false tax returns. The indictment was returned on March 13, 2012.

The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric C. Hylton of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office.

The 12 count indictment alleges that Ukwu assisted in the filing of false tax returns, claiming on the returns that the individuals were entitled to certain deductions, when in fact, he knew they were not.

The indictment alleges that for tax years 2006 through 2008 Ukwu assisted three taxpayers to file false tax returns, claiming fraudulent business losses totaling, $139,819, $137,410, and $111,018. Ukwu allegedly assisted another taxpayer to claim a total of $115,552 in fraudulent business losses for tax years 2007 and 2008, and assisted a forth to fraudulently claim $52,560 in business losses for tax year 2008.

Ukwu faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison for each of the twelve counts of aiding and assisting in filing false tax returns. An initial appearance is expected to be scheduled today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the IRS - Criminal Investigation for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen O. Gavin, who is prosecuting the case.