St. Clair County tax preparer pleads guilty to filing hundreds of false tax returns resulting in over $600,000 in loss and will remain in custody pending sentencing

BENTON, Ill. - A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County appeared in district court to plead guilty to federal charges for making intentional false statements on tax return forms to defraud the Government.

Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements on tax return, one count of wire fraud, and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent returns. Charged originally in April 2024, a federal grand jury later returned a nine-count superseding indictment in March 2026. The counts stem from falsifying her personal income and clients' business expenses.

Haire owned and operated tax return preparation businesses known as Dormeshia Taxes, Dormeshia Haire Taxes, Dormeshia Haire Tax Services and One Tax Guru Financial Services, Inc. According to court documents, Haire admitted to filing hundreds of false returns. Haire's under reporting of income for her and her clients resulted in an outstanding tax obligation owed to the Internal Revenue Service of more than $600,000 with an additional $48,000 owed to the State of Illinois.

"Dormeshia Haire cheated the tax system twice over. She falsified her own returns and then worked with clients to file hundreds of other fraudulent returns," said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. "This crime represents a toxic 'free-money mentality' that leads people to fleece public programs. With the 2026 tax filing season now concluded, this Office remains vigilant and will continue to prosecute those who think they can game the system."

Also on April 6, the District Court found clear and convincing evidence that Haire violated her bond conditions. Haire's bond was revoked, and she was taken into custody. Haire's sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2026 at the federal courthouse in Benton.

"Ms. Haire admitted that she helped prepare and submit false returns on behalf of clients. We let the public know about such cases to sound a warning that taxpayers must do their due diligence when selecting a return preparer," said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. "Although the 2026 tax filing season has ended, our commitment to tracking fraudulent return preparers and bringing them to justice has no end."

Convictions for false statements on tax returns and aiding and abetting in submitting false tax returns are punishable by a maximum of 3 years imprisonment. Convictions for wire fraud are punishable by a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.

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

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.