Fort Myers, Florida – In a shocking display of financial deceit, three women from Hendry County have been indicted for stealing government funds and engaging in identity theft. Roeshell Denise Williams, Sheree Peterson, and Yajaira Crespo, all residents of Clewiston, face serious charges after allegedly conspiring to file fraudulent tax returns in the names of unsuspecting individuals.
According to the indictment, the three women, between January 2012 and September 2012, conspired to file fake tax returns, which were then deposited into bank accounts controlled by them. The refunds from these returns were then used for their personal gain.
The indictment charges Williams, Peterson, and Crespo with conspiracy to make false claims to the U.S. Treasury for payment, and to embezzle and steal government funds. Specifically, Williams is charged with one count of conspiracy and four counts of theft of government funds. Peterson is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of theft of government funds, and six counts of aggravated identity theft. Crespo is charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of theft of government funds, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
If convicted, the women face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for each count of conspiracy and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the theft of government funds counts. They also face 2 years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charges, to be served consecutive to the other sentences imposed.
The indictment also notifies the women that the United States intends to forfeit any assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The exact date of the crime is between January 2012 and September 2012. The city and state where the crime took place is Fort Myers, Florida. The defendants are Roeshell Denise Williams, Sheree Peterson, and Yajaira Crespo. The exact criminal charges are conspiracy to make false claims to the U.S. Treasury for payment, and to embezzle and steal government funds. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for each count of conspiracy and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the theft of government funds counts.
Related Federal Cases
- Kenitra Michelle Gilmer, Theft of Government Property, Florida 2012 · Florida
- Kency Aime, Access Device Fraud and Identity Theft, Florida 2023 · Idaho
- Jermaine Winters, Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft, Florida 2012 · Florida
- Jonathan Harry Lee Williams, Using Minor to Produce Child Pornography, Florida 2014 · Florida
- Cherica Daniels, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Aggravated Identity Theft, Florida 2014 · Idaho
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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