WEST MONROE – Attorney Francis C. Broussard, 53, was arrested Tuesday on charges of filing false tax returns that claimed $9 million in refunds.

According to U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley, the indictment, returned on Sept. 19, charges that Broussard filed four false tax returns in early 2009.

The first false return that Broussard is reported to have filed was for tax year 2008. For that return, he sought a refund of $2,026,100.

A few days later Broussard is reported to have filed a false return for tax year 2005, seeking a refund of $2,315,423.

A few days after that, Broussard is reported to have submitted a false return for tax year 2006 seeking a refund of $2,293,007.

Finally, Broussard is reported to have submitted a false return for tax year 2007, seeking a refund of $3,149,163.

The news release did not stipulate claimed income or expenses by Broussard during the years in question.

Broussard faces a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both on each of the false claim charges.