United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that James Jean, a 57-year-old resident of Yeadon, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to three years in prison. The sentencing, delivered by United States District Judge John F. Murphy, also includes a one-year term of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, and restitution amounting to $12,717. This sentence follows Jean’s conviction for knowingly including false energy credits in tax forms prepared for clients.
Jean’s fraudulent activities spanned the tax years 2018 through 2020. During this period, he prepared at least 146 returns that falsely offset tax liabilities or claimed reimbursable credits for supposed expenditures on wind turbines, solar panels, or other energy improvements. His motivation was reportedly to enhance client refunds and satisfaction. These actions led to an understatement of over $700,000 in his clients’ tax liabilities.
In September 2024, Jean pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. He admitted to filing not only his own false returns but also 145 others during the same period.
The investigation was conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams.
