A tax preparer charged with video voyeurism, as well as some more run-of-the-mill false medical and dental expenses in this week’s roundup of (loosely) tax-related cases.
San Diego: Preparer Marla Cunningham, 50, has pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false return.
According to court documents, Cunningham owned and operated Cunningham’s Tax Service in El Cajon, Calif., and admitted that she prepared false individual income tax returns for her clients for tax years 2008 through 2010. The returns included false charitable deductions, unreimbursed employee expenses, education credits, medical and dental expenses and business expenses.
Cunningham, who agreed that she caused a loss of more than $1.2 million, faces a maximum of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false return, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Sentencing is March 10.
Miami Beach, Fla.: Tax preparer Andres Jurado, 29, has been arrested on a charge of video voyeurism, according to published reports.
Police reportedly said that Jurado followed a woman who later said she felt someone bump into her backpack as she walked along a Miami Beach street. She reportedly noticed a man tailing her, stopped and spun when, according to police cited in news outlets, the man bumped into her while grabbing her under her dress.
She told police she looked down to see the man holding a cellphone and recording video of what was under her dress, according to reports.
Jeff Stimpson is a veteran freelance journalist who previously served as editor of The Practical Accountant.