A Long Island tax preparer named Damaris Beltre has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a tax fraud scheme that nearly amounted to $12 million. Beltre admitted to wire fraud and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns before United States District Judge Sanket J. Bulsara, a hearing that could potentially lead to a maximum 53-year prison sentence and an order to pay approximately $12 million in restitution.
During the period from January 2021 through April 2024, Beltre operated several financial service businesses, which included tax preparation services in Freeport, New York. She was found to personally prepare, and direct employees to prepare, false tax returns with claims for fraudulent tax credits, including those related to COVID-19 and motor fuel income tax credits, aimed to illegally lower tax liability and dishonestly increase refunds for her clients. Beltre's company charged over $1 million in fees for these deceitful services, which sometimes included taking a cut from the refunds issued.
According to a statement from United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., "Beltre brazenly defrauded the government and callously put her clients in jeopardy to line her own pockets." In addition, IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. condemned Beltre's actions, stating, "She hoarded funds meant for those with a legitimate need just to fatten her own pockets," as mentioned on the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York website.
The fraudulent activities didn't just stop at tax preparation. Beltre went so far as to also engage in a separate scheme seeking to maliciously obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. She filed numerous false reports and tax returns to secure around $1 million in loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The stolen funds were then misappropriated for her own use, paying for personal expenses including a Caribbean house, a vehicle, and jewelry.
The case was handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly led the prosecution, receiving assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Schroder and Victim Witness Coordinator Stephanie Marroquin.
