Williamstown, NJ, Man Admits Filing False Tax Returns

A Gloucester County man has admitted filing false federal tax returns and now potentially faces several years in prison.

42-year-old Christian L. Whittaker of Williamstown is facing one count of making false claims against the IRS.
Based on the false claims, the IRS paid more than $300,000 in refunds to Whittaker.
More than $80,000 was paid by the IRS and garnished to pay debts that Whittaker had previously incurred.

According to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger's office, Whittaker knowingly and willfully prepared, electronically signed, and filed with the IRS false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns for tax years 2016 to 2019.

Whittaker claimed that a business paid him significant wages and incurred substantial losses, when in fact the business didn't actually exist.

Get our free mobile app

Whittaker now faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 13th.

Sellinger credited special agents with the IRS with the investigation that lead to Whittaker's plea.

The 30 worst rated schools in New Jersey

Here are the 30 lowest-rated schools statewide, based on their 2021-2022 New Jersey School Performance Reports — involving scores for language arts, math and attendance. (For an explanation of how the state calculates the "accountability indicator scores" and overall rating for each school, see page 90 of this reference guide.)

NJ teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts

Over the past several years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.

In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.

The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.