Georgia Dog Broker Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns

Justin Daniels, a 48-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, has been sentenced to one year and two months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for filing false tax returns linked to his dog-brokering business. Daniels admitted to falsely underreporting over $1 million in income between 2015 and 2018.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Rather than pay his fair share of taxes, Daniels spent years submitting fraudulent returns in the name of personal greed.” Lisa Fontanette, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office, emphasized, “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue investigating and holding accountable individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes.”

According to Buchanan, Daniels operated a dog-brokering business since 2006, selling Yorkie, Morkie, and Shi-Tzu puppies. Despite customers believing they were buying directly from him, the puppies were raised by breeders in Kentucky and Tennessee. Daniels deposited over $2.3 million into personal checking accounts from 2015 to 2018, but significantly underreported his income, resulting in additional tax due of $258,265.

Daniels was sentenced on April 22, 2024, after pleading guilty on December 5, 2023. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $258,265. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.