COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A Columbia tax preparer is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center this afternoon following his arrest today by South Carolina Department of Revenue investigators.

Bruce E. Richardson, 35, a self-employed tax preparer, was charged with one count of willfully preparing a fraudulent state income tax return. He is being held at the detention center pending a bond hearing.

Richardson is accused of fraudulently preparing a client's 2003 tax return by exaggerating itemized deductions and expenses to claim a larger tax refund than the taxpayer was entitled. The DOR investigation showed the client was unaware of Richardson's bogus claims on the tax return.

Richardson is facing up to five years in prison if convicted of the charge.

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