Woman Arrested on Tax Fraud Charges

A Mount Pleasant woman faces forgery and preparation of a false tax return charges related to an alleged 2009 scheme to get a larger tax refund by submitting a false tax return.

The South Carolina Department of Revenue arrested Lavettria Nacole Horry, 30, on Tuesday, according a Department of Revenue news release.

Authorities allege that in 2009 Horry presented a W-2 form to a tax preparer service that was used to prepare her 2008 South Carolina income tax return.

The W-2 form stated that Horry had worked at Churpeyes Inc. and had earned wages, but the Department of Revenue alleges evidence obtained from Churpeyes Inc. revealed that she was never employed there.

Also in 2009, authorities allege an individual provided correct 2008 South Carolina income tax return information to Horry that she then prepared and electronically submitted, the press release states.

Unbeknownst to the individual, Horry altered the wages and taxes withheld in order to create a larger tax refund. Horry then claimed the fraudulent refund for herself by forging the individual’s signature.

If convicted, Horry could face charges of up to 25 years in prison and/or $1,000 in fines and/or fined in the discretion of the court, the news release states.

Horry was placed in custody at the Charleston County Detention Center pending a bond hearing on Tuesday.