Louisiana Woman Charged with Aiding in Filing False Taxes and Faces Prison Time and a Fine if Convicted

New Orleans, Louisiana – On August 29, 2022, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Cynthia Bowley, age 67, of Meraux, Louisiana, was indicted on August 26, 2022, with one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2).

According to the indictment, Bowley aided in the preparation of a false tax return for a taxpayer in June 2017, in which Bowley claimed false business losses and charitable deductions. The resulting refund exceeded the legitimate taxpayer refund by more than $18,000.00.

Bowley faces a potential term of three years in jail, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year of supervised release, and a $100 obligatory special assessment charge if convicted.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations is in charge of the inquiry. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long.