Accountant Sentenced for Tax Evasion and Fraud

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 35-year-old former Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to prison for wire fraud and tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Brian Perez pleaded guilty March 1, 2018.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Perez an 18-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $162,755 in restitution to his employer and an additional $42,435.18 in criminal restitution to the IRS. At the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Robert Thorpe detailed prior thefts from a previous employer and additional thefts from another corporation affiliated with his current victim.

Perez’ family members testified about his lack of criminal history and made pleas for probation. However, the court noted such a sentence was not appropriate as there was a significant amount of loss and harm to multiple victims occurring over several years.

The court also ordered that funds fraudulently transferred to Perez’ tax withholding account at the IRS as part of the scheme be returned to victims. His tax refunds during his period of incarceration and supervised release will also be used to pay restitution to his victims.  

Perez, now of San Antonio, was a Certified Public Accountant. As part of his plea, Perez admitted that while working as a bookkeeper, he orchestrated the fraudulent transfer of funds from his employer’s bank account to his personal tax withholding account. Perez also admitted he filed a false income tax return and requested a refund of the overpayment.

Through this scheme, Perez defrauded his employer of $162,755 between March 9, 2015, and Aug. 7, 2015.

IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.