Morgantown CPA found guilty of tax fraud

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury found Certified Public Accountant Gregory N. Cason, 45, of Morgantown, West Virginia, guilty of tax fraud today, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Cason prepared tax returns for AKA Enterprises, Inc., a business entity operating several business in Morgantown, including a bar and restaurant facility. Cason knowingly underreported income, failed to report expenses paid in cash, and failed to report periodic cash payments to employees.

A federal jury found Cason guilty of two counts of "Aid and Assist in the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Form." He was acquitted of  one count of "Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service and to Aid and Assist in the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Forms" He faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert McWilliams and Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.