North Texas Tax Preparers Sentenced to Federal Prison for $8M IRS Fraud

TEXAS — Four tax preparers who operated out of Grand Prairie, Texas, have been sentenced to federal prison after defrauding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of nearly $8 million through fraudulent tax returns and COVID relief scams.

Grand Prairie Business Owner at the Center of Scheme

Festus Adenisimi, 65, of Mansfield, Texas, was the owner of FA Tax, a tax preparation business that became the focal point of the federal investigation. Court documents reveal that Adenisimi and his staff consistently submitted fraudulent tax returns on behalf of clients, prompting the IRS to issue refunds based on false information.

In addition to the tax fraud, Adenisimi admitted to fraudulently obtaining two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, totaling $760,415 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated total loss to the IRS from the operation was over $7.5 million.

Sentencing and Financial Restitution

In March 2025, Adenisimi pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn. He was also ordered to pay $10,283,737.65 in restitution.

Three additional FA Tax employees also pleaded guilty and received the following sentences in June 2025:

• Sunshyne Endurance Ogungbemi, 37, of Waxahachie, sentenced to 18 months in prison, ordered to repay $7.5 million

• Chris Mary Tijerina, 40, of Crandall, sentenced to 15 months, restitution of $7.56 million

• Cynthia Bradley, 45, of Belleville, Illinois, sentenced to 15 months, ordered to pay $5.76 million

Federal Authorities Respond

Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson emphasized the severity of the offense, stating the group “orchestrated a multi-year tax fraud scheme that caused substantial loss to the government.” She affirmed the Department of Justice will “continue to track down those who attempt to cheat the American people.”

Gerardo Gomez, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, added,

“The 105 months of federal prison time for the members of FA Tax who falsified tax returns illustrate that tax fraud is not a victimless crime.”

The source of the information is the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.

What do you think of this federal crackdown on tax fraud? Have you ever reported a scammer or known someone affected by false tax filings? Share your experience at saludastandard-sentinel.com.