A Tyler tax preparer has been sentenced to federal prison for her involvement in a tax refund fraud scheme. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. on April 15, 2025.
Karistha Johnson, 38, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making false statements on tax returns. U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle also ordered her to pay $1,244,934 in restitution.
Expressing the seriousness of the case, Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. stated, "The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting tax preparers who engage in return preparer fraud schemes. Schemes like this threaten to disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for law-abiding taxpayers, and taxpayers ultimately end up paying the bill."
The investigation revealed that Johnson, in her capacity as a tax preparer, exploited individuals seeking help by submitting fraudulent returns. Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation's Dallas Field Office, commented, "Ms. Johnson, in her role as a tax preparer, took advantage of those seeking assistance by filing fraudulent returns. By fabricating deductions and business expenses, she filed hundreds of false returns, resulting in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent refunds. The women and men of IRS-CI remain dedicated to safeguarding our tax system and ensuring that individuals who engage in fraudulent activities face the full consequences under the law."
Court records showed that Johnson was involved in a multi-year fraud scheme where she submitted tax returns with false information. Between 2017 and 2019, Johnson prepared and filed 610 returns, claiming $1,244,934 in fraudulent refunds.
The case was handled by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.
