Minneapolis Men Pleaded Guilty to Tax Fraud Scheme

The defendants filed over 300 false tax returns claiming more than $9 million in fraudulent federal refunds.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Financial Crime

Minneapolis Men Pleaded Guilty to Tax Fraud Scheme

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LaMar Javis Burgess and LaMar Dazjar Burgess have pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States. The pair filed at least 300 false tax returns between June 2022 and October 2024 to obtain tax credits they were not entitled to receive.

Why it matters

The case is part of a broader federal effort to combat widespread tax fraud that has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to the government. Authorities say the defendants specifically exploited COVID-19 sick and family leave tax credits to solicit money.

LaMar Javis Burgess faces up to 10 years for conspiracy and 15 years for a separate firearm possession charge, while LaMar Dazjar Burgess faces up to 10 years for conspiracy. A federal judge will determine their final sentences at a later date.

The players

LaMar Javis Burgess

One of the defendants who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and a felon-in-possession firearm charge.

LaMar Dazjar Burgess

One of the defendants who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States.

The details

The defendants used instructional guides to submit returns claiming fraudulent COVID-19 relief credits while charging a $10,000 fee for each filing. During the investigation in Golden Valley, federal agents discovered a stolen Glock model 19 handgun at the residence of LaMar Javis Burgess.

The defendants prepared and filed false federal tax returns between June 2022 and October 2024.
LaMar Dazjar Burgess entered a guilty plea on October 1, 2026.
LaMar Javis Burgess entered a guilty plea on October 9, 2026.

Legal Context

This case is part of a coordinated federal initiative that targeted 76 defendants nationwide for tax fraud. It marks a significant effort by the government to recover funds lost to systematic filing abuse, mirroring similar crackdowns on widespread financial crimes.

This case highlights the ongoing federal scrutiny regarding the filing of tax returns and the exploitation of COVID-19 relief credits. Residents should remain vigilant about protecting their personal identification and financial information from individuals soliciting data for tax filings.

The takeaway

Tax fraud schemes often rely on the unauthorized use of personal identifiers to claim government credits illegally. Individuals should consult with certified tax professionals to ensure their filings are legitimate and avoid potential legal risks.