Former Milwaukee tax preparers indicted on fraud charges; accused of filing false returns

Four former Milwaukee tax preparers have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of filing false tax returns and conspiracy to commit fraud, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Named in the 14-count indictment are Karen Tompkins, 57, Shalonda Burns, 40, Latoya Bush, 37, and Lori Ann Stringfellow, 55.

The four are accused of fabricating clients' business income, fraudulently increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit and refunds. In addition, the indictment alleges they also created false business income and expense invoices and received kickbacks from the tax refunds.

If convicted, Tompkins, Bush and Stringfellow could face up to 14 years in prison, according to the Department of Justice. Burns could face a total of 33 years including a mandatory sentence of two years.

The tax preparers worked at a Liberty Tax Service branch located at 3929 N. Humboldt Blvd., according to the Department of Justice. Liberty could not be reached Saturday morning to answer questions.