Minneapolis Father And Son Indicted In Tax Fraud Conspiracy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A Minneapolis-area father and son have been indicted on federal charges accusing them of conspiring to file millions of dollars in false tax returns, federal prosecutors announced Monday.

LaMar Javis Burgess, 44, and his son LaMar Dazjar Burgess, 23, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to defraud the United States and six counts each of making false claims, according to an indictment unsealed June 23.

The elder Burgess faces an additional count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Prosecutors say the two men, along with other conspirators, prepared and filed fraudulent federal income tax returns for themselves and others between approximately June 2022 and October 2024, claiming refund amounts the filers were not entitled to receive.

According to court documents, LaMar Javis Burgess sought out instructional materials on how to file false returns, including a guide titled "TurboTax Sauce the 'Self-Employed' Way."

He allegedly charged clients a portion of the fraudulent refunds as his fee.

The scheme allegedly involved soliciting individuals for their names, Social Security numbers, identification, and bank account information to prepare and file the false returns.

Filings allegedly included fabricated employment history and tax credits, including COVID-19 sick and family leave credits claimed on 2021 returns and other refundable credits on 2022 returns.

LaMar Javis Burgess was also found in possession of a Glock Model 19 9mm handgun, prosecutors said. He has prior convictions in Hennepin County for illegal firearm possession and fourth-degree assault of a peace officer, as well as a prior federal felony conviction for felon in possession of a firearm. A federal judge ordered him detained pending trial following his initial appearance.

If convicted on all counts, LaMar Javis Burgess faces up to 10 years in prison for the conspiracy charge, up to five years per false claims count and up to 15 years for the firearm charge. His son faces the same potential penalties on the fraud counts.

IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the case, with assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, Minneapolis Police Department, Fridley Police Department, and the Ramsey County and Hennepin County sheriffs' offices.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.