Woman Pleads Guilty To Filing False Tax Returns

  ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – A Monmouth County woman has pled guilty to filing false tax returns, admitting that she underreported income on her personal tax return, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig.

  Kathy Manna, 58, of Atlantic Highlands, formerly of Lavallette, had pled guilty through videoconference where she was charged with one count of making and subscribing a false tax return.

  According to documents and statements made in court:

  Manna’s business Manna Construction Group, located in Lavallette, offers landscaping and construction services. For the tax years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, Manna admitted that she underreported the gross receipts or sales of Manna Construction Group on Schedule C of her personal tax return. The government alleges that the total tax loss was $124,480.

  Manna could face three years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense for making and subscribing a false tax return. Manna’s sentencing is scheduled for July 28.

  Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the IRS, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. She also thanked the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and the Lavallette Police Department, under the direction of Chief Colin M. Grant.

  The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.