Long Island Tax Preparer Charged in $12 Million COVID and Tax Fraud Scheme

Damaris Beltre allegedly falsified tax returns and misused pandemic relief funds to fund personal purchases, including a house and luxury items.

Damaris Beltre, a former tax preparer from Freeport, New York, has been indicted on 42 counts, including wire fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.
Prosecutors allege Beltre prepared over 800 fraudulent tax returns between 2021 and 2024, costing the IRS approximately $11 million in reduced tax liabilities.
She is accused of fraudulently obtaining $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, intended for pandemic relief, by submitting false payroll and tax documents.
The funds were allegedly used for personal expenses, including a $22,500 house payment in the Dominican Republic, a $16,000 Honda CRV, and tens of thousands spent on jewelry.
Beltre was arrested at JFK Airport while attempting to board a flight to the Dominican Republic and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.