A Thornton man has been dealt a 52-month prison sentence after admitting to preparing fraudulent tax returns for clients, a move that signals the strict stance against financial misdeeds by those entrusted with personal financial matters. Lance McCuistion, 56, was sentenced following his guilty plea, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
McCuistion had been previously convicted of similar offenses, pleading guilty in 2014 and receiving probation. Without a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) due to his past, he exploited the PTINs of three associates from April 2018 to April 2022 to prepare and falsify client tax returns. Despite his prior run-ins with the law, he was found increasing refunds or reducing taxes owed by claiming items for clients that he knew they were ineligible for.
"Tax preparers are trusted by their clients to do the right thing," said Acting United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Matt Kirsch, as obtained by the U.S. Department of Justice. His words echo a broader expectation of integrity that those in positions of financial authority are held to, and the consequences faced when that trust is breached.
Fulfilling their duty to crack down on fraudulent activities, IRS Criminal Investigation's Denver Field Office brought McCuistion to justice. "This case is an example of the commitment IRS-CI brings to financial investigations involving tax preparers who abuse the system and line their pockets rather than doing what is best for their clients," said Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Denver Field Office Tom Demeo, as per U.S. Department of Justice. Violating the fundamental trust clients place in their tax preparers, individuals like McCuistion highlight the severity of such deceit.
United States District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over McCuistion's sentencing, with the IRS – Criminal Investigation leading the case investigation. The prosecution was carried out by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Weiss. As the community reflects on this sentencing, the message is clear, financial duplicity, especially when abusing the rights and finances of others, will not be tolerated.
