Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Man convicted on tax fraud scheme

Oct 7, 2017 | Sex Offenses

A Florida man was convicted on several fraud charges following a jury trial that lasted almost two weeks. The Miami jury found the 28-year-old man guilty of 16 counts of wire fraud, eight counts of aggravated identity theft and four counts of money laundering. The man was also convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The defendant reportedly operated a business in West Palm Beach called Tax King. While the man was running the tax preparation business, prosecutors say that he filed around 1,600 fake tax returns. The tax returns that were filed between 2012 and 2014 led to refund payouts totaling $1.3 million. According to prosecutors, the refunds were deposited into bank accounts and debit cards that were under the control of the defendant and two of his employees.

The two female employees who allegedly helped the defendant to file fraudulent tax returns each pleaded guilty to one conspiracy charge. During the trial, the man’s defense attorney tried to convince the jury that it was the women who masterminded the alleged tax fraud. At his sentencing hearing, the man could face up to 40 years in prison.

A person who is facing multiple charges for serious federal white collar crimes such as these types of fraud may want to consult a criminal defense attorney. If people believe that they are being investigated for one of these crimes, it may be important for them to speak with an attorney before speaking with anyone else about their situation. An attorney can construct an appropriate defense strategy in the event that charges are filed.

Source: Palm Beach Post, “Riviera Beach man convicted in $6.1 million tax fraud case”, Jane Musgrave, Oct. 4, 2017

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