A federal grand jury returned a nine-count superseding indictment on Mar. 24 charging Dormeshia A. Haire, a tax return preparer from St. Charles, Missouri, with multiple counts related to allegedly filing false tax returns in St. Clair County.
The case is significant because it highlights the government’s efforts to ensure compliance with federal tax laws and protect honest taxpayers from fraudulent activities by some preparers.
Haire, age 38, faces three counts each of fraud and false statements on tax returns, wire fraud, and aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent returns. According to the indictment, she is accused of underreporting her personal employment income for the years 2019 through 2021 and reporting fraudulent business expenses for her clients’ tax filings.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said, “The American tax system depends on everyone doing their part to follow the law. Cheating the tax system is no victimless crime because honest taxpayers are left to pay the price alone. Our office will make sure everyone lives up to their obligations, so the system works as intended.”
IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden also addressed concerns about dishonest preparers: “The majority of return preparers provide great service to their clients and prepare honest, accurate returns. But there are dishonest tax preparers who file fraud-filled and false returns to steal from the government and defraud their own clients. Avoid shady tax preparers at all costs because when they get caught, you could be on the hook for the damage they cause.”
Authorities remind that an indictment is a formal charge only; Haire remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted on all charges, Haire could face up to 20 years in prison.
