Erie Woman Admits Preparing False Tax Returns for Herself, Friends and Others

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of false income tax return and aid or assist false or fraudulent document, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Yalonda Ballard, 29, pleaded guilty to eleven counts before United States District Judge David C. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Ballard prepared false federal income tax returns for herself, friends and others referred to her for calendar years 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for April 16, 2018. The law provides for a total sentence of 42 years in prison, a fine of $2,750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Ballard on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ballard.