Modesto Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Filing False Tax Returns Seeking More Than $620,000 in Refunds

FRESNO, Calif. — United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neil sentenced Mark Threet, 52, of Modesto, today to two years in prison for making a false claim for a tax refund, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, Threet filed more than 850 false tax returns for himself and others for the tax years 2008 to 2010. Each return included false statements regarding income, tax credits, and refund amounts. In sum, the returns claimed more than $620,000 for these false tax refunds. He received approximately $270,000, and has been ordered to pay restitution.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick R. Delahunty is prosecuting the case.