A former correctional officer has pleaded guilty to committing tax fraud and using inmates’ identities.
According to investigators, the 26-year-old was working at the Zephyrhills Correctional Facility when he used Florida Department of Corrections databases to access the personal identifying information of inmates between January 2011 and May 2014.
The man allegedly used the information to file 182 fraudulent tax returns. Investigators claim the total amount of fraudulent funds requested in those returns is estimated to be more than $500,000.
The man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The man’s sentencing date has not been set.
The mere allegation of tax fraud or any other similar wrongdoing can ruin a person’s career or wreck a business. Individuals and companies are investigated and charged with tax crimes every single day in the state of Florida and throughout the United States. Prosecutors are more aggressive than ever when it comes to tax fraud cases, and you can rest assure that they will utilize every investigative technique available in order to obtain a conviction.
At Whittel & Melton, we know that dealing with a criminal investigation or facing criminal charges is quite overwhelming. As former prosecutors, we are highly aware of the tactics used by the State when prosecuting these cases. We can put that knowledge to work for you. To learn more about how we can help you combat state or federal criminal charges, please call us today in the Tampa Bay area at 813-221-3200 or statewide and toll-free at 866-608-5529. You can even contact us online by filling out a free case evaluation form.