Columbia, SC (September 28, 2012) --- SC Department of Revenue investigators today arrested two individuals in Horry County for income tax-related charges.

Tyrona Bellamy and Derrick Burgess were individually charged with one count of assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return, one count of forgery and three counts of conspiracy.

Investigators revealed that Tyrona Bellamy and Derrick Burgess separately conspired with other parties to willfully assist in preparing a fraudulent income tax return.

In order to have a 2011 income tax return submitted in her name, Bellamy presented a fraudulent W2 form to a tax preparer. Bellamy did not work for the employer but stated that she earned $15,899 in wages and had $715 in state taxes withheld. Bellamy, a resident of Cox Road in Loris, claimed a federal and state tax refund totaling $8,954 to which she was not entitled.

If convicted of the five charges, Tyronda Bellamy, 32, could face up to $15,500 in fines and/or 25 years in prison.

Derrick Burgess of Lyons Cove in Myrtle Beach submitted a fraudulent W2 form to a tax preparer in order to have a 2011 income tax return prepared. Burgess stated on the fraudulent W2 that he earned $16,899 in wages and had $760 in state taxes withheld from those wages; he claimed a federal and state tax refund totaling $9,109 to which he was not entitled. Burgess, 36, did not work for the employer listed on the fraudulent W2 tax form.

Derrick Burgess could face up to $15,500 in fines and/or 25 years in prison if convicted of the five charges.