News Summary
Jonathan Mann, a business owner from Vidalia, has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for filing false tax documents related to his construction business. He also faces one year of supervised release and has been ordered to pay $84,638 in restitution. His failure to report income from 2017 to 2019 led to a significant underpayment of taxes. The case is part of a larger investigation into tax fraud in southeastern Georgia, with multiple individuals indicted for their roles in fraudulent activities.
Vidalia, Georgia – Jonathan Mann, a 39-year-old business owner, has been sentenced to 12 months in federal prison for filing false tax documents related to his construction business. His sentencing occurred on September 18, 2025, following a guilty plea in April 2025. In addition to the prison time, Mann will serve one year of supervised release and is required to pay $84,638 in restitution for unpaid taxes on unreported income.
During the investigation, it was found that Mann failed to disclose income generated from his construction business between 2017 and 2019 to his tax preparer. This omission led to significantly lower federal income tax payments than what was legally required. The case falls under the broader framework of ongoing investigations targeting tax fraud in the region, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance and accountability.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, Margaret E. Heap, reaffirmed the commitment to pursuing individuals who evade their federal tax responsibilities. This case is part of a larger crackdown on tax fraud schemes in southeastern Georgia, where authorities are actively investigating a number of fraudulent activities.
In connection with these ongoing investigations, eleven individuals from Statesboro and Sylvania were indicted for their involvement in a sophisticated tax fraud operation. These indictments allege that the defendants improperly obtained debit cards and tax refund checks by preparing and submitting false tax returns. The indicted individuals include:
- Sirbrina Bangs, 26, Statesboro
- Danielle Clark, 26, Statesboro
- Tameika Raquel Clark, 24, Statesboro
- Dequillia Ann Hill, 43, Sylvania
- Cierra Johnson, 22, Statesboro
- Aleceia Lovett, 29, Statesboro
- Tacarro Morgan, 25, Sylvania
- Richard Parker, 60, Sylvania
- Eula Mae Tisby Rodriguez, 47, Sylvania
- Devang Shah, 32, Sylvania
- Kandice White, 25, Sylvania
This current batch of eleven individuals adds to the thirteen others who pleaded guilty by August as part of the ongoing tax fraud investigation. Investigators have recovered significant amounts of personal information, including names, Social Security numbers, and medical records, which were reportedly utilized to file fraudulent tax returns.
Authorities have indicated that the potential sentences for those implicated in this tax fraud scheme could be severe. Possible penalties include up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy, 10 years for access device fraud, and a mandatory minimum of two years for aggravated identity theft. The involvement of multiple federal law enforcement agencies, such as the IRS Criminal Investigation division and the FBI, underscores the seriousness of these investigations.
In light of this ongoing probe, Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner emphasized the cooperative efforts between local and federal agencies to address tax fraud comprehensively. The indictments and criminal charges serve as a clear indication that obtaining and misusing personal identifiers for fraudulently filed tax returns will not be tolerated and will be actively pursued by law enforcement.
The actions taken against Mann and the additional indictments highlight an escalating commitment to enforcing tax laws and ensuring that all individuals contribute their fair share of taxes. This case serves as a reminder of the legal and financial repercussions associated with tax fraud and the importance of compliance with federal tax regulations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Statesboro Herald: 11 Indicted in Tax Fraud Scheme
- Wikipedia: Tax Fraud
- WTOC: Five Plead Guilty in Tax Fraud ID Theft Ring
- Google Search: Tax Fraud Investigation
- Statesboro Herald: 20 Bulloch Residents Charged in Tax Fraud Scheme
- Google Scholar: Tax Fraud Case
- All On Georgia: Statesboro Woman Sentenced to Prison
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tax Evasion
- The Georgia Virtue: Trey Britt Sentenced in Federal Court
- Google News: Tax Fraud News
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
