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Samantha Cheek (CheekS@sctax.org)
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Charleston, SC --- A woman from Mt. Pleasant was arrested today by SCDOR investigators on four charges related to fraudulent income tax returns. Lavettria Nacole Horry, 30, is charged with two counts of assisting in the preparation of a false return and two counts of forgery.

In 2009, Horry presented a W-2 form to a tax preparer service that was used to prepare her 2008 SC income tax return. The W-2 form stated that Horry had worked at Churpeyes, Inc. and had earned wages, but evidence obtained from Churpeyes, Inc. revealed that she was never employed there. The use of the fraudulent W-2 form resulted in Horry claiming and receiving a tax refund to which she was not entitled.

Also in 2009, an individual provided correct 2008 SC income tax return information to Horry that she then prepared and electronically submitted. Unbeknownst to the individual, Horry altered the wages and taxes withheld in order to create a larger tax refund. Horry then claimed the fraudulent refund for herself by forging the individual’s signature. By preparing and submitting the SC return which she knew to be fraudulent, Horry willfully committed the crime of forgery and the preparation of a false return.

If convicted, Horry could face charges of up to 25 years in prison and/or $1,000 in fines and/or fined in the discretion of the court.

Lavettria Nacole Horry is currently being held at the Charleston County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

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