Crime & Safety

Norwich Tax Preparer Committed Fraud Worth $600K: Federal Prosecutors

A Norwich tax preparer was sentenced to prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to a fraud charge, according to prosecutors.

NORWICH, CT — A Norwich tax preparer accused of fraud totaling $600,000 has been sentenced to two years in prison, according to federal prosecutors. David Etienne, 49, will also serve one year of supervised release.

Etienne was a tax return preparer operating through several businesses, including Los Maestros Inc., Los Maestros Group, Tax Experts USA, and Tax Experts USA Inc.

Etienne prepared returns for clients that included false expenses and losses connected to fake businesses, false unreimbursed employee expenses, and false medical, dental, and education expenses, according to prosecutors.

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Etienne's criminal conduct resulted in federal and state tax revenue losses of about $600,000, prosecutors said.

Etienne pleaded guilty to a charge of aiding and abetting in the preparation of a false income tax return Sept. 5.

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He was released on $100,000 bond and will be required to report to prison Feb. 28.

Restitution will be determined after additional court proceedings.

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