HOUSTON - A woman has admitted she for made and subscribed to a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Vanessa Ben pleaded guilty today.
Ben willfully filed her U.S. Individual Income Tax return. However, upon signing the form attesting to its validity, she was aware it contained false information. She filed that return even though she knew she was not entitled to claim several items as stated, to include business income, taxable income, total tax and an income tax refund.
U.S. District Judge Hittner accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Feb. 3, 2020. At that time, Ben faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
