POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) — A 34-year-old Texas man pleaded guilty in Idaho to conspiracy to file false tax claims, a crime for which he could spend a decade behind bars.

Lawrence Sikutwa (SIH-koo-twa) of Dallas pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday in Pocatello.

Sikutwa operated a tax preparation business in Texas, where he enlisted various other people in Idaho to solicit clients for him.

Upon receiving tax documents, prosecutors say Sikutwa made false entries in order to boost the amount of refunds.

He distributed just a portion of the refund to the taxpayer.

In court, Sikutwa acknowledged the tax returns were false.

He'll have to pay nearly $1.5 million in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

In addition to possible prison time, he could also face a $250,000 fine.

Sentencing is Nov. 18.


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