John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DEVON WILLIAMS, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to eight months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, for preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Williams formerly owned and operated Perfect Preparers, LLC, a tax preparation business based in New Haven. Between approximately 2014 and 2017, Williams prepared numerous federal tax returns for clients that contained inflated deductions, including false deductions for unreimbursed employee expenses, charitable donations, and mortgage interest. Some returns contained false Schedule C (sole proprietorship business) information. Losses suffered by the IRS as a result of his fraud totaled at least $550,000.
Judge Hall ordered Williams to pay restitution of $550,000.
On October 3, 2019, Williams pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return.
As a result of Williams’ fraudulent conduct, many of his clients’ filed tax returns will need to be amended. Williams’ clients are required to resolve their own tax liability with the IRS.
Williams, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 4, 2020.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer R. Laraia.
If you or someone you know has a criminal tax issue, or was victimized by Devon Williams, please contact us at (203) 285-8545 or by email at egreen@gs-lawfirm.com.
Eric L. Green, Esq.
Green & Sklarz LLC
One Audubon Street, 3rd Floor
New Haven, CT 06511
Ph. (203) 285-8545
Fax (203) 286-1311