FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 06, 2012

Woman arrested for submitting false and alias tax returns

Columbia, SC --- Rachel Annet Alston was arrested today by South Carolina Department of Revenue investigators after she presented fraudulent W2 information to multiple tax preparers in order to have her income tax returns prepared for tax years 2005 through 2009. During that time, Alston also used an alias name consisting of her middle and last name to submit fraudulent W2 information to tax preparers. Alston, a West Columbia resident, filed the alias tax returns as well as her own in order to receive income tax refunds to which she was not entitled.

Alston is accused of nine counts of assisting in the preparation of false returns. If convicted, she could face penalties of up to 45 years in prison and/or $4,500 in fines.

Alston, 44, is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

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