A Michigan accountant has been charged with allegedly claiming to be a CPA and creating a false license for himself.
Joseph Vanator of Vantors & Associates in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, was arraigned in late October and charged with one count of accounting violations, a five-year felony, according to the Michigan Attorney General's office. Vanator allegedly created a false "Certificate/License To Practice Public Accounting" that appeared to be issued by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
"Issuing certified public accountant licenses helps ensure that residents can trust that those providing financial services have the necessary training and expertise to do so," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a statement last week. "My office will continue working with LARA to hold those who falsify their qualifications accountable."
Vanator is scheduled to appear in the 56A District Court in Easton County, Michigan, before a judge Monday.
The family-run firm's owner, Jacob Vanator, who is a CPA as well as an MBA and CFP, released a statement to clients and the press, saying, "We've got some difficult and heartbreaking information to share. Monday evening, we became aware of pending charges against one of our tax accountants, Joseph Vanator, for allegedly creating a false certificate/license to practice public accounting. ... Here are the details we know and the steps our firm is taking: 1. Upon becoming aware of these allegations, we suspended Joey from his staff position as tax accountant. 2. We have begun planning to ensure that our service quality remains high, and that our clients remain protected from any inconvenience or interruption stemming from this situation. 3. John Vanator and Jacob Vanator continue to maintain valid and active licenses to practice public accounting with the State of Michigan and we commit to maintain our office's ability to provide service to our clients."
