Two Memphis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Fraud

Memphis, TN - A federal judge sentenced Robert Wells, 54, and Andre Wilson, 54, to federal prison for defrauding the United States Government. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today.

According to information presented in court, Wells and Wilson owned Wells and Wilson Financial, a Memphis-based tax preparation business, from at least 2017 to 2025. During the relevant time period, both men conspired with each other to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) out of more than $250,000 by filing fraudulent tax returns from 2018 through 2022.

Specifically, Wells and Wilson defrauded the IRS by preparing returns for clients that were materially false, including false itemized deductions, false businesses, and false business income and/or expenses. As a result, many of their clients received inflated refunds to which they were not entitled.

United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wilson on June 17, 2026 to 24 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Parker sentenced Wells on June 18, 2026 to 14 months' imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the total amount of $163,762.80. There is no parole in the federal system.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Protection of the United States Treasury and taxpayer resources is a top priority for the Department of Justice and this office. Income tax fraud schemes strike at the very heart of our federal government's financial ability to provide services and protection for our citizens, and we will use all available resources to punish and deter such dishonest criminal behavior."

"This sentencing sends a clear message that those who knowingly abuse the tax system and violate the public's trust will be held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Donald "Trey" Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. "The defendants ran a scheme deliberately undermining the integrity of our nation's tax system by filing fraudulent returns and inflating refunds. Our special agents continue to follow the money in financial crimes and work with our federal partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice."

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin and Trial Attorney Max Willner-Giwerc of the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Tax Section.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division"). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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