RALEIGH – Two Columbus County men pleaded guilty Thursday in Wake County Superior Court to multiple felony charges of aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns.

George Frank Jeffries, 56, and George Andre Jeffries, 26, of 840 Pinewood Drive, Whiteville, entered guilty pleas to a total of 21 felony counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent state tax returns for the tax years 2001 and 2002.

Superior Court Judge Donald Stephens sentenced George Frank Jeffries to a 39-month minimum, 48-month maximum prison term. The sentence was suspended and he was placed on supervised probation for 60 months on the condition that he pay a criminal fine of $3,000 and perform 150 hours of community service.

George Andre Jeffries was sentenced to a 57-month minimum, 69-month maximum prison term. The sentence was suspended on the condition that he serve a 30-day active sentence and be placed on supervised probation for 60 months following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 criminal fine and perform 150 hours of community service.

Both men were ordered not to aid or assist in the preparation, presentation or filing of any federal or state tax returns for anyone else while on probation. They were also ordered to timely file all personal tax returns and remit all taxes, both personal and business, while on probation.

Evidence presented by the state showed that George Frank Jeffries owned and operated Jeffries Tax Service in Whiteville. He was also employed as a road crew leader with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Jeffries and his son, Andre, prepared fraudulent 2001 and 2002 income tax returns for their clients without the client's knowledge or consent. These returns were intended to deceive the state into issuing larger refunds to the clients than they were legally entitled to receive.

The charges against the Jeffries resulted from an investigation by a special agent with the Department of Revenue's Criminal Investigation Division.

Last modified on: 10/31/07 03:44:06 PM.