Harper Woods Resident Sentenced For Fraudulent Tax Return Scheme

A Harper Woods man was sentenced to one year and a day in prison today following his conviction for making false statements in connection with filing 54 false tax returns, U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

McQuade was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Carolyn Weber, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn also ordered Mishawn Gordon, 25, to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $219,265.

In September of 2013, Gordon pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false claim against the United States.  According to court records, during the 2008 through 2009 tax years, Gordon prepared and filed 54 tax returns for different individuals resulting in claims of approximately $539,000 and refunds issued totaling $219,265.  He failed to provide the individuals with a copy of the returns he filed for them and never reviewed the returns with the individuals. Virtually all of the tax refund monies were directed to bank accounts that he owned or controlled. Some of the individuals received a split of the money deposited in their account, others were paid in cash by Gordon, and some never saw the refund.

“Gordon fabricated W-2s and falsely claimed credits to inflate tax refunds he intended to keep for his own benefit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Carolyn Weber. “Gordon’s behavior highlights the importance of carefully choosing the person that prepares your tax return.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne F. Pratt.