A Port St. Lucie tax preparer was sentenced to three years in federal prison after orchestrating a tax fraud scheme resulting in over $175,000 in losses to the U.S. Treasury and lying on his naturalization application, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Port St. Lucie Tax Preparer Convicted in Federal Tax Fraud Scheme
On February 11, 2026, Wislet Metayer, 45, of Port St. Lucie, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks to 36 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $167,792.45 in restitution. According to the Department of Justice, Metayer was convicted by a federal jury in West Palm Beach on 32 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns and one count of making a false statement related to naturalization.
According to prosecutors, Metayer operated as a professional tax preparer between 2019 and 2025. He attracted clients by promising large refunds, then secretly filed federal tax returns containing fabricated business losses, deductions, and credits. These falsified returns increased taxpayer refunds and enabled Metayer to charge inflated preparation fees, according to the DOJ. This case follows several recent incidents involving local government and city employees in the area, such as when a Port St. Lucie city employee was arrested for electronic written threats, highlighting the ongoing need for oversight and accountability.
Details of the Tax Fraud Scheme
According to a preliminary report from the U.S. Department of Justice, Metayer’s actions caused losses exceeding $175,000 to the federal government. Prosecutors stated that he systematically prepared and filed false tax returns to inflate refunds for his clients, thereby increasing his own profits through higher fees.
Federal investigators found that Metayer’s fraudulent tax filings included fabricated business losses and unsubstantiated deductions. According to the DOJ, these actions directly resulted in significant financial losses to the U.S. Treasury. Similar concerns about public trust have arisen in recent years, such as when a St. Lucie County Commissioner was investigated over residency claims, further emphasizing the importance of transparency in public service.
Conviction and Sentencing
The federal jury found Metayer guilty of 32 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, as well as one count of making a false statement in connection with his naturalization application. Judge Middlebrooks sentenced Metayer to 36 months in prison and ordered restitution of $167,792.45, according to the DOJ.
Officials reported that after completing his prison sentence, Metayer will be subject to removal from the United States.
Citizenship Application Fraud
According to prosecutors, Metayer is a Haitian national and lawful permanent U.S. resident. In March 2024, he applied for naturalization while his tax fraud scheme was still active. The DOJ reported that applicants for naturalization must disclose any crimes they have committed, regardless of whether they have been arrested or convicted.
Prosecutors said Metayer falsely denied his ongoing criminal conduct on his application, concealing the fraud from immigration authorities. This led to his conviction for making a false statement in connection with his naturalization process. The local area has seen other cases involving public officials, such as when a Fort Pierce commissioner resigned following an arrest, reflecting the broader context of accountability in St. Lucie County.
Official Statements on the Case
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida stated, “This defendant abused the trust of his clients and stole from the American taxpayer.”
Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Florida Field Office commented that Metayer’s conduct harmed honest taxpayers. Loecker said, “When you turn tax forms into tools for bogus refunds, you’re stealing from every honest taxpayer. Metayer chose to cheat the system and even lied in a bid for citizenship. A jury saw through it, and the court delivered accountability.”
Impact on the Community and Tax System
According to the DOJ, fraudulent tax preparation schemes undermine the integrity of the tax system and place an unfair burden on honest taxpayers. Officials emphasized that tax fraud and dishonesty in the immigration process will not be tolerated.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Justice continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in tax fraud and related offenses, according to official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Tax Preparer Sentenced
What did the Port St. Lucie tax preparer do to get sentenced?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Wislet Metayer was convicted of preparing false tax returns and lying on his citizenship application, causing over $175,000 in losses to the U.S. Treasury.
How long will the Port St. Lucie tax preparer serve in prison?
Metayer was sentenced to 36 months, or three years, in federal prison by Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, according to official sources.
Are there other penalties besides prison for the tax fraud?
Yes, Metayer was ordered to pay $167,792.45 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury and will be subject to removal from the United States after serving his sentence, according to the DOJ.
Can you check if your tax preparer is licensed in Port St. Lucie?
You can verify a tax preparer’s credentials through the IRS website or by contacting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Where are official updates about tax fraud cases in Port St. Lucie posted?
Official updates are posted by the U.S. Department of Justice and the IRS Criminal Investigation division on their websites and through press releases.
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