GRAND ISLAND — Bank records and an admission to police are at the center of a felony tax fraud case involving nearly $10,000, according to Grand Island authorities.
Sherry Statler, 55, is accused of keeping a $9,950 income tax refund that belonged to a 74-year-old Grand Island woman. Police allege Statler prepared the woman’s 2024 tax return, submitted inaccurate information, and directed the refund to an account she controlled.
The case was reported to the Grand Island Police Department on June 19. Investigators later reviewed financial records that reportedly showed the refund was deposited into Statler’s account and subsequently spent.
Officers interviewed Statler on July 22. According to a probable cause affidavit, she acknowledged entering false information on the return and not providing the refund to the taxpayer.
Statler has been charged with felony filing of a false return in connection with the March 24, 2025, filing and felony theft by unlawful taking related to the alleged transfer of funds on May 2, 2025.
Court documents identify Statler as a resident of 427 Commanche Avenue and state that she has also used the names Sherry Lea Haumont and Sherry L. Cortinas.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 28.
