Houston Woman guilty of filing false amended tax return

HOUSTON, TX -- A local resident has admitted she defrauded the IRS of more than $1.5 million, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of IRS - Criminal Investigation (CI).

According to the plea agreement filed in the record of the case, Lee Williams pleaded guilty today to filing a false amended joint 2016 U.S. individual income tax return which resulted in an intended tax loss of approximately $800,000.

As part of the agreement, she further acknowledged the relevant conduct for sentencing purposes is over $1.5 million. She has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,975,734.58.

U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Dec. 21. At that time, Williams faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

IRS-CI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher is prosecuting the case.