Erie Woman Prepared False Tax Returns for Herself and Others

Erie, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of filing false income tax returns and aiding and assisting the filing of false and fraudulent income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Andrea Jones, 52, pleaded guilty to fourteen counts before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Jones prepared and filed false federal income tax returns for herself and others, who used her as their return preparer, for tax years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 42 years in prison, a fine of $3,500,000, 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 Jones 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 Jones.