PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of tax evasion and wire fraud, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.
Brian A. Vandussen, 52, of the city’s Hill District neighborhood, pleaded guilty to two charges before U.S. District Judge Cathy Beeson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court noted that Van Dusen operated a tax preparation company called “Simple Tax Refunds” based in Warner Center. Between 2014 and 2018, Van Dusen and his tax preparers prepared and filed hundreds of false federal income tax returns that falsified Schedule C profit and loss income from the business to make illegal tax returns.
Judge Beason is set for sentencing on January 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The statute provides for three years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine for each count. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence depends on the severity of the crimes and the defendant’s prior criminal history, if any.
Pending sentencing, the court continued Van Dusen on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to Vandussen’s indictment.
