HARRISBURG, PA (WPMT) Mitchell Orewiler, 34, of Adams County, pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Harrisburg to making false claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Orewiler filed a 2007 tax return on or about April 14, 2009, in which he falsely claimed federal income tax had been withheld on interest he had earned. In his 2007 tax return, Orewiler requested a refund of approximately $288,000 to which he knew he was not entitled. The IRS sent Orewiler the $288,000 refund.
He was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2014, as a result of an investigation by the IRS.
Edward Wirth, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, said “As we rapidly approach the April 15th filing deadline, it is important for the public to note the ramifications of filing false and fictitious federal income tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s office are committed to aggressively pursuing those who attempt to enrich themselves at the expense of the American public.”
The government also filed a plea agreement in the case, which is subject to approval by the court. Orewiler could be sentenced to five years in federal prison, a term of supervised release upon release, and a $250,000 fine.
