PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A former elected official from Providence has pleaded guilty to federal tax and wire fraud charges.
Leon Tejada admitted Friday he ran a scheme from 2009 through 2012 at his tax preparation business.
Tejada acknowledged falsifying tax returns without his clients’ knowledge to get them larger refunds. He also admitted skimming money from clients’ refunds into his own bank accounts.
Federal prosecutors say the scheme cost the government more than $54,000.
Tejada was released on bond and is due to be sentenced on March 10.
He served in the Rhode Island legislature from 2001 to 2006 and was a member of the Providence City Council from 2009 to 2010.
