George Tucker, Jr., a tax preparer from Lakeland, has been sentenced to seven years and six months in federal prison for his role in a scheme that defrauded the Internal Revenue Service. U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington handed down the sentence. Tucker had been responsible for preparing clients’ tax returns.
Between March 2021 and February 2024, George Tucker, Jr. prepared or helped create at least 316 false tax returns. Court documents show these returns included fake Schedules and Forms W-2G, misreporting gambling winnings and losses to increase refunds from the IRS. Tucker also falsified his own tax returns during this time.
Tucker’s scheme aimed to create $59,941,751 in fraudulent tax claims, but the IRS reported actual losses of $15,028,309.89. This amount reflects refunds or credits that were incorrectly issued to taxpayers, including Tucker.
George Tucker, Jr. personally gained $1,354,757.64 from the fraudulent tax returns. Court documents show he used some of these funds to purchase luxury items, including expensive jewelry. In a press release, Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office stated, “Those who deliberately exploit our tax system for personal gain will face serious consequences.”
The case against George Tucker, Jr. was handled by the IRS Criminal Investigation Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Ross Roberts. Tucker’s prison sentence, along with the financial penalties and restitution ordered by the court, highlights the U.S. justice system’s efforts to enforce tax laws and protect the integrity of the nation’s financial system. Special Agent Ron Loecker and the investigators and prosecutors involved emphasized their commitment to safeguarding taxpayers and holding offenders accountable.
