Columbia, SC (August 27, 2012) --- Sedina Charica Alston, 31, was arrested today and taken to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center for one count of assisting in the preparation of a false tax return.

According to South Carolina Department of Revenue officials, Alston provided a fraudulent W2 form to her tax preparer. Alston did not work for the employer indicated and the W2 form also stated that she earned $15,800 in wages and had $711 in state taxes withheld from her wages. As a result of the fraudulent W2 form, Alston submitted a fraudulent 2011 individual income tax return and requested a state tax refund of $711 to which she was not entitled.

If convicted of the charge, Alston could face penalties of up to five years in prison and/or up to $500 in fines.

The Horry County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted with the arrest.