United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that James Jean, a 57-year-old resident of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to three years in prison. This sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John F. Murphy. In addition to the prison term, Jean will serve a one-year supervised release and pay a $10,000 fine along with restitution amounting to $12,717.
Jean's sentencing is related to his actions during the tax years 2018 through 2020 when he prepared at least 146 tax returns containing false energy credits for his clients. These fraudulent claims were meant to offset tax liabilities or claim reimbursable credits for alleged expenditures on wind turbines, solar panels, or other energy improvements. According to Metcalf's statement, "Jean inserted the claims for false credits because he wanted to increase client refunds and client satisfaction." His fraudulent activities led his clients to understate their tax liabilities by over $700,000.
In September 2024, Jean pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and admitted responsibility for filing another 145 false returns as well as his own misleading returns for the same period.
The investigation into this case was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.