An 82-year-old tax preparer from Middlesex County who authorities say cheated on hundreds of tax returns to get clients larger refunds has been sentenced to a suspended five year sentence.
Jerry R. Jones also didn’t report the income he received from clients for preparing their returns, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said.
Jones with indicted in 2022 on charges of possessing false government documents after investigators found fraudulent birth certificates and a stamp for the Internal Revenue Service during a search of his Monroe home.
The investigation into Jones began in 2021 when authorities were notified that he filed hundreds of fraudulent income tax returns that claimed deductions, business expenses or exemptions that are not permitted. As a result, his clients underreported their income or received a refund amount to which they were not entitled.
Jones later pleaded guilty to failure to file a tax return and was sentenced last week.
As part of his sentence, Jones agreed not to file tax returns for anyone but himself or provide financial advice to others. The sentence is suspended so Jones can pay the back taxes he owes, the prosecutor’s office said.
Anyone who hired Jones is advised to re-examine their prior tax returns for any potential irregularities. Those who need further assistance can contact Detective Marcus Goode of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-4274.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
