March 1, 2006
www.usdoj.gov/usao/aln

BIRMINGHAM WOMAN CHARGED WITH PREPARING FALSE TAX RETURNS

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A Criminal Information was filed today in United States District Court against THELMA A. BRYANT charging her with preparing a false and fraudulent income tax return. The Information is announced today by U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin, and James D. Vickory, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.

“Tax return preparers have a responsibility to ‘say no’ to unscrupulous individuals who are obviously attempting to cheat on their taxes,” stated U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin. “When tax return preparers aid and assist those who are dishonest on their tax returns, and prepare false returns, the unlawful conduct is prosecuted,” added U.S. Attorney Martin.

The Information alleges that BRYANT, 52, of Birmingham, willfully prepared a false and fraudulent income tax return for Future of the World Daycare Academy and Ministry, Inc., a Subchapter S Corporation located in Bessemer. BRYANT listed grocery expenses for the Daycare at $243,800 when the actual expense for the year was approximately $61,004.00.

BRYANT faces up to three years in prison and a fine of $100,000, plus the costs of prosecution. Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Pat Meadows is prosecuting the case on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Members of the public are reminded that the Information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the Government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.