Lakeland tax preparer sentenced for gambling-related federal tax fraud
Fraudulent Lakeland tax preparer Jeffrey Dixon, who used falsified gambling winnings and losses to defraud the IRS, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty last summer.
The Florida local pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns on August 5, 2025 and received his sentence of 57 months in federal prison on February 4, 2026.
As well as prison time, the court also demanded that Dixon forfeit $ 1,093,552.50 to go towards the proceeds of the criminal conduct and pay restitution in the amount of $ 12,964,382.00 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Dixon’s fraudulent activities took place between January 2019 and July 2023, where the tax preparer ran a scheme to defraud the IRS. He prepared or helped prepare 458 false tax returns for 319 taxpayers, including himself, using fraudulent figures for gambling winnings and losses. The forged tax returns requested refunds from the IRS that were not actually entitled.
“Tax fraud isn’t a shortcut – it’s a fast track to prison,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the tax system and ensure that those who steal from the American public face justice. IRS Special Agents will continue to pursue anyone who thinks they can game the system.”
The effect of Dixon’s fraudulent scheme
If the scheme went ahead as planned, Dixon would have defrauded $ 42,359,399. The actual loss to the IRS was $ 12,964,382, paid out to taxpayers including Dixon as refunds or credits applied to other debts. Dixon profited personally in the amount of $ 1,093,552.50.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, before being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie. The forfeiture of assets is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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