Crime & Safety

Norwich Tax Preparer Committed $600K In Fraud: Prosecutors

A Norwich tax preparer pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges earlier this week.

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich tax preparer pleaded guilty to tax fraud crimes totaling $600,000 in losses, according to prosecutors. David Etienne, 49, pleaded guilty in federal court in New Haven on Tuesday to aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return.

He could serve up to 3 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, from 2012 to 2021, Etienne prepared taxes for clients that included false expenses and losses in connection with sole proprietorship businesses, false unreimbursed employee expenses, and false medical, dental, or education-related expenses.

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Etienne's crimes resulted in state and federal government revenue losses of about $600,000, prosecutors said.

Etienne was released on $100,000 bond pending sentencing.

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He will be sentenced Nov. 29 and faces up to three years in prison.

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