St. Louis County Man Pleads Guilty To Tax And Weapons Charges

St. Louis, MO – JOEY D. WOOD pled guilty to filing four false tax returns for himself and two others claiming refunds totaling over $23,000 for tax years 2011 and 2012.

According to court documents, Wood, who was engaged in the business of preparing income tax returns for individuals, filed false tax returns for himself claiming refunds for 2011 and 2012, and filed false returns claiming refunds for two other people for 2011.   Additionally, on May 17, 2013, Wood was in possession of a firearm.  Due to a previous felony conviction, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

"The object of this refund scheme was to steal from the government and the taxpaying public," said Sybil Smith, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation.  "The prosecution of these crimes is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our tax system."

Wood, St. Louis County, Missouri, pled guilty to four felony counts of making false statements to the government and one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He appeared before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry.  Sentencing has been set for January 20, 2015.

Each of the tax counts carry a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, the firearms charges carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000.  In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, the St. Louis County Police Department and the Missouri Department of Revenue. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Muchnick is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.