Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Two Memphis tax preparers, Robert Wells and Andre Wilson, have pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and assisting in the preparation and filing of false tax returns. The announcement was made by United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee.
Court records show that Wells and Wilson, both 54 years old, operated a business called Wells and Wilson Financial in Memphis. Between 2019 and 2022, they conspired to submit fraudulent tax returns on behalf of their clients. These returns included false information such as fabricated itemized deductions, incorrect business income, or fictitious business expenses. This resulted in clients receiving refunds larger than what they were legally owed. The total loss to the U.S. Treasury exceeded $250,000.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant stated: "Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government’s financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior.”
Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins from IRS Criminal Investigation commented: “Dishonest tax return preparers use a variety of methods to cheat the government,” adding, “Today's plea is a reminder to those who might consider preparing false tax returns that IRS-CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the United States tax system."
Sentencing dates are set for May 6, 2026 for Wells and May 18, 2026 for Wilson. Each defendant faces up to five years in prison for conspiracy charges plus three years for preparing false returns; actual sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing sentencing guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin from the Western District of Tennessee along with Trial Attorney Max Willner-Giwerc from the Department of Justice’s Tax Division are prosecuting this case.
For additional information about this case or other news updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, individuals can contact their Media Relations Team or follow updates on social media channels Facebook or X at @WDTNNews.
