Berlin Man Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Tax Returns

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GELIN STERLING, 31, of Berlin, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sterling owned and operated Sterling Tax Plus, LLC, a tax preparation business.  For the 2014 through 2017 tax years, Sterling prepared tax returns for numerous clients that included false mileage expenses, false charitable donations, and other false income items.

Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019, at which time Sterling faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years.

Sterling has agreed to pay restitution of $250,000 to the IRS.  As a result of his fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended.  The amount of Sterling’s restitution may be reduced as his clients resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.

Sterling is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.   This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.