A judge has sentenced Luckner Stimphil, 55, and his daughter, Elwolfine Dufort, 31, to federal prison for their roles in a tax fraud conspiracy.
Stimphil was a pastor at First Calvary Family Life Ministry in Tampa when the state attorney's office says he created and operated Top Popular Tax, a tax preparation business, from 2011 through mid-2015.
Dufort worked with Stimphil to advise and assist in tax preparations for the IRS under the company which had offices in Tampa, Winter Haven and other locations.
Prosecutors say the company provided and presented false and fraudulent information for tax clients to the IRS, including a false and fraudulent claim of credit for a federal tax on fuels.
“Together, Luckner Stimphil and his daughter, Elwolfine Dufort, were responsible for preparing false tax returns that caused more than $11 million dollars in losses to the IRS, essentially stealing the tax dollars paid by honest Americans,” stated Special Agent in Charge, Mary Hammond, who led the IRS criminal investigation.
Hammond adds that their actions also upended the lives of their clients, who have to deal with the "mess" caused by the false tax returns that were filed in their names.
"We plead with all taxpayers to do their due diligence in selecting a trustworthy and accredited return preparer," she added.
The Tampa pastor and his daughter pleaded guilty in February.
Stimphil was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Dufort was sentenced to two years in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy.
Both were ordered to pay $11 million in restitution to the United States. Stimphil must also pay a $10,000 fine.
What other people are reading right now:
►Have a news tip? Email desk@wtsp.com, or visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
