Dormeshia A. Haire, a tax return preparer from St. Clair County, pleaded guilty on April 29 to several federal charges related to the submission of fraudulent tax returns. Haire admitted in district court to one count of false statements on a tax return, one count of wire fraud, and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent returns.
The case is significant because it involves the filing of hundreds of false returns that resulted in more than $600,000 owed to the Internal Revenue Service and an additional $48,000 owed to the State of Illinois. Authorities say such cases undermine public trust in the tax system.
Haire operated businesses under several names including Dormeshia Taxes, Dormeshia Haire Taxes, Dormeshia Haire Tax Services, and One Tax Guru Financial Services, Inc. According to court documents, she falsified her own income as well as business expenses for clients over multiple years. "Dormeshia Haire cheated the tax system twice over. She falsified her own returns and then worked with clients to file hundreds of other fraudulent returns," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "This crime represents a toxic ‘free-money mentality’ that leads people to fleece public programs. With the 2026 tax filing season now concluded, this Office remains vigilant and will continue to prosecute those who think they can game the system."
On April 6, after finding evidence that Haire violated her bond conditions, the District Court revoked her bond and took her into custody pending sentencing scheduled for August 5 at the federal courthouse in Benton.
"Ms. Haire admitted that she helped prepare and submit false returns on behalf of clients. We let the public know about such cases to sound a warning that taxpayers must do their due diligence when selecting a return preparer," said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. "Although the 2026 tax filing season has ended, our commitment to tracking fraudulent return preparers and bringing them to justice has no end." Convictions for these offenses carry maximum penalties ranging from three years imprisonment for each count related to false statements or aiding fraudulently filed taxes up to twenty years imprisonment for wire fraud.
IRS Criminal Investigation led this investigation while Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard prosecuted the case.
In related efforts against financial crimes involving taxpayer funds nationwide, on April 7 the Department of Justice announced its new National Fraud Enforcement Division dedicated to investigating and prosecuting those who misuse government dollars.
