A Minneapolis father and son have been indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and making false claims for tax refunds. LaMar Javis Burgess, 44, and his son, LaMar Dazjar Burgess, 23, allegedly filed false federal income tax returns for themselves and others, claiming millions in undeserved refunds. LaMar Javis Burgess also faces a charge of felon in possession of a firearm.
The alleged conspiracy, from June 2022 to October 2024, involved LaMar Javis Burgess reportedly learning to file false returns using guides like “TurboTax Sauce the ‘Self-Employed’ Way.” He and his son allegedly promoted the scheme, charging taxpayers a portion of their fraudulent refunds. They are accused of soliciting personal information to file returns with false employment and tax credit details, including false 2021 COVID-19 related sick and family leave credits and false 2022 refundable credits.
LaMar Javis Burgess was also found with a Glock model 19, 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Due to prior convictions for illegal firearm possession and assault, he is federally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Both men face one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and six counts of making false claims. LaMar Javis Burgess faces an additional count of felon in possession of a firearm. Conviction could lead to up to ten years for conspiracy, five years per false claim, and 15 years for the firearm charge. LaMar Javis Burgess has been ordered detained.
U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said, "Fraud against the United States is a serious offense." Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, added, "This father and son duo turned filing fraudulent tax returns into a family business." IRS Criminal Investigation, with other agencies, is investigating.
The Department of Justice's new National Fraud Enforcement Division supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, targeting those who misuse taxpayer dollars.