LaMar Javis Burgess, 44, and his son, LaMar Dazjar Burgess, 23, are accused of preparing and filing false federal income tax returns for themselves and others.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, the pair allegedly filed false tax returns for themselves and others between approximately June 2022 and October 2024. Those returns reportedly contained millions of dollars of false claims.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote that “LaMar Javis Burgess allegedly sought and obtained videos and instruction manuals educating himself on how to file false federal tax returns, including a guide titled ‘TurboTax Sauce the ‘Self-Employed’ Way.'”
Burgess reportedly worked with his son and others “to promote the tax fraud scheme,” and the older Burgess allegedly took a portion of taxpayers refunds as a fee for himself.
The father and son duo reportedly solicited Social Security numbers and bank account information to file the false returns. The U.S. Attorney’s Office wrote that “the returns allegedly included employment and tax credit information they knew to be false.”
Federal authorities charged each man with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and six count of making false claims. Additionally, the older Burgess was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office LaMar Javis Burgess is federally prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of prior convictions. Those convictions reportedly include fourth degree assault of a peace officer and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The pair face up to ten years for the conspiracy charge and five years for each of the false claims charges. LaMar Javis Burgess faces up to 15 years in prison for the firearm charge.
“Fraud against the United States is a serious offense and those who fabricate returns or misuse information to enrich themselves will be held accountable,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen said in a statement.
“Our office remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of federal tax programs and protecting the public from those who seek to exploit them,” he added.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
