Grimy Times Exclusive: In a shocking case of identity theft and tax evasion, two Houston men have been convicted of using stolen personal identifying information from Harris County inmates to commit tax fraud.
Brandon Banks, 35, and Cal Williams, 29, both from Houston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and other charges related to the scheme. Banks also pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft.
The men devised and executed the scheme between January 2012 and December 2013, using the names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of unsuspecting Harris County inmates and others in Houston to submit false tax returns claiming refunds of several thousand dollars.
In February 2013, Banks provided Williams with lists containing the means of identification of individuals for the purpose of electronically filing false federal tax returns by interstate wire. Shortly thereafter, Williams provided the stolen personal identifying information to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement and instructed that individual to electronically submit a fraudulent claim for a tax refund.
The next month, at the direction of law enforcement agents, the person cooperating with law enforcement met with Williams and gave him approximately $1,942, his purported share of the false tax refund.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt accepted the pleas today and has set sentencing for July 11, 2016. At that time, both face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Banks will also face a mandatory minimum of 24 months, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The investigation was conducted by IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vernon Lewis is prosecuting the case.
This disturbing case highlights the dangers of identity theft and the importance of protecting personal identifying information. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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