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Press Release

Michigan Woman Charged with Helping Others to File False Income Tax Returns

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Eastpointe, Michigan, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of aiding or assisting in the preparation or filing of false federal income tax returns, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on August 14, named Lakisha K. Pinkney, 42, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Pinkney filed false federal income tax returns for other persons that included false Schedule C information, and which requested a false refund for the tax filer.

The law provides for a total sentence of three years imprisonment for each count, a fine of $250,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Updated August 15, 2018

Topic
Tax