A Williamstown man faces five years in prison for filing false IRS claims, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Christian L. Whittaker, 42, pleaded guilty to filing the claims for the tax years 2016 to 2019, a press release from Sellinger said. Whittaker claimed he had earned wages and incurred substantial losses from a fictitious business, a claim that resulted in an IRS refund of $300,000.
The IRS also paid $80,000 that was garnished to pay Whittaker’s previous debts, according to Sellinger.
The false IRS claims charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Whittaker is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
Sellinger credited special agents of the IRS, under the direction of Special Agent Tammy Tomlins, for its help in the investigation.
