Norwich Man Charged With Tax Fraud In 25-Count Indictment: Feds

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich tax preparer has been charged with tax fraud in a 25-count indictment, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. David Etienne, 48, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Etienne operated as a tax return preparer through several businesses, including Los Maestros Inc, Los Maestros Group, Tax Experts USA, and Tax Experts USA Inc. Etienne is accused of preparing federal tax returns for clients from 2015 to 2019 that included false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses when he knew the taxpayers had not operated sole proprietorship businesses, false unreimbursed employee expenses, and, in certain instances, false medical, dental or education-related expenses, according to a statement from prosecutors.

The indictment charges Etienne with 25 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns, a crime that carries a maximum prison term of three years on each count.

He appeared in court Jan. 25 and was released on $100,000 bond pending trial.