Woman Admits Electronic Tax Fraud Role
A Los Angeles woman admitted she helped recruit about 200 people to help bilk the government out of nearly $500,000 through fraudulent tax returns, the U.S. attorney’s office said Friday.
Prosecutors said Cheryl Jones, 39, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court to her role in the scam, conspiring to aid others in filing false income tax returns.
Jones is one of eight defendants charged in one of the nation’s largest electronic tax scams. The defendants filed the returns electronically at the Van Nuys H & R Block office with the help of an employee there, prosecutors said.
“Her role was as only a minor participant,” said her Pasadena-based attorney, W. Michael Mayock. “I think the court will recognize that and also that she came forward early and admitted guilt.”
Jones will be sentenced Nov. 6 before Judge Laughlin E. Waters.
On Wednesday, Sheila Green, 30, of Van Nuys also pleaded guilty to charges in the case. Trial is set Oct. 28 for the remaining defendants, including Green’s husband, Claudell Green.
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