CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Maria Martin, 64, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to preparing fraudulent tax returns, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Martin admitted that from 2011 through 2013, she prepared 43 fraudulent tax returns from her Logan County home. Specifically, Martin admitted that she claimed tax credits for her clients to which she knew they were not entitled, knowing that the improper credits would increase their tax refunds. Martin filed the fraudulent returns electronically and directed that the inflated refunds be deposited in bank accounts that she designated. Upon receipt of the refunds, Martin split the money with her clients. As a result of the fraudulent returns, the United States paid $188,665 in refunds to Martin and her clients to which they were not entitled. As part of her plea agreement, Martin has agreed to pay $188,655 in restitution.
Martin faces up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2016.
The Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
