St. Clair County tax preparer accused of submitting false returns

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County is facing several federal charges for allegedly making intentional false statements on tax return forms to defraud the Government.

A federal grand jury returned a nine-count superseding indictment charging Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, of St. Charles, Missouri, with three counts of fraud and false statements on tax returns, three counts of wire fraud and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent return.

"The American tax system depends on everyone doing their part to follow the law. Cheating the tax system is no victimless crime because honest taxpayers are left to pay the price alone," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "Our office will make sure everyone lives up to their obligations, so the system works as intended."

Charged originally in April 2024, Haire was accused of underreporting her personal employment income in her tax returns for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The superseding indictment alleges Haire also committed wire fraud and submitted false information to the Government by reporting fraudulent business expenses on behalf of her tax clients.

IRS-Criminal Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Melissa McFadden said, "The majority of return preparers provide great service to their clients and prepare honest, accurate returns. But there are dishonest tax preparers who file fraud-filled and false returns to steal from the government and defraud their own clients. Avoid shady tax preparers at all costs because when they get caught, you could be on the hook for the damage they cause."

An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

If convicted, Haire faces up to 20 years' imprisonment.

IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.