Reeds Spring man admits tax fraud

A Reeds Spring man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to fraudulently claiming more than $124,000 in tax refunds.

Michael Jett, 47, pleaded guilty to federal information charging him with making false claims against the government, according to a news release from the office of Tammy Dickinson, U.S. attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

In his guilty plea, Jett admitted he filed 22 false or fraudulent tax returns to obtain larger tax refunds between January 2009 and January 2012. Utilizing W-2 forms issued by companies under his control - including Air1Assault, Creative Designs, Southwest Missouri Home Products and Corvette Specialist - Jett filed tax returns for himself and on behalf of family members and others. The refunds were electronically deposited in bank accounts owned in Jett's name, or in the names of family members.

Though he requested $124,493 in refunds on the 22 tax returns, they only actually qualified for $19,137 in legitimate refunds, meaning the government lost $105,356 through the scheme, according to the release.

Under federal statues, Jett could be subject to five years in prison without parole, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 and an order of restitution. His sentencing will be scheduled following the presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Milligan and was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.