PHILADELPHIA - Sherelle Pratt, 49, of Philadelphia, was charged by Indictment, unsealed today, with filing false tax returns, aiding and assisting other individuals in preparing and filing false tax returns, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Pratt was arrested today.
According the Indictment Pratt is an IRS employee. Pratt, according to the indictment, is alleged to have prepared federal income tax returns for a number of individuals during tax years through 2006 through 2008. Pratt caused the refunds, and stimulus payments that the filers were supposed to receive, to be deposited into her personal bank account. In some cases, she gave the filers a portion of the refunds and stimulus payments. In other instances, according to the indictment, Pratt kept the refund and stimulus payments.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 33 years in prison, including a two year minimum mandatory sentence, a fine of up to $2.25 million dollars, a special assessment of $900, and two years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Philadelphia Field Office and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Floyd J. Miller.
An Indictment, Information or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
