Bloomfield Tax Preparer Sentenced in Court And A Drug Bust Top Weekly News

Here’s a list of last week’s top stories:

A Bloomfield tax preparer was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison for preparing tax returns he knew were false in order to get his clients larger refunds, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Rigot Joseph, 55, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns.

AAA released its weekly fuel gauge report this month, showing a sharp increase in gas prices throughout July and predicting that prices will remain high through Labor Day.

National gas prices increased 5.1 percent, or 17¢ a gallon, to close out July at $3.50 a gallon. That's the first monthly increase since March and the largest increase for July since at least 2000, when AAA began keeping records.

Two Bloomfield men have been arrested after being found with illegal prescription drugs. They face additional charges after police found more prescription drugs and narcotics in their home.

Bloomfield Police said in a news release, that Jesus Guzman, 34 and Dawshawn Outcult, 29 were arrested last week after police conducted a surveillance of their home.

Students at Franklin Elementary School will be able to enjoy their reading books outside during nice weather, thanks to a new outdoor reading area being built at their school.

The new reading area will be just outside the school’s main entrance and will feature plants, benches, shrubbery, and red and gray brick flooring. The 30 foot by 75 foot space will be fenced in and will make use of existing shade in the area.