Pair Plead Guilty in Income Tax-Return Scam
Two Orange County men have pleaded guilty to charges that they illegally used electronic tax returns to obtain $22,000 in loans.
David D. Smyers, 51, of Garden Grove pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiracy and making a false claim. John H. Wyatt, 45, of Stanton pleaded guilty last week to similar charges.
The Internal Revenue Service said the two men forged W-2 income statements, submitted them to the agency for a refund and then got bank loans using the expected refunds as collateral.
Wyatt faces up to 15 years in jail and a $750,000 fine; Smyers could be ordered to serve 10 years and pay a $500,000 fine.
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