Copeland Rudd, Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scam, Florida 2024

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Table of Contents

Florida Couple Pleads Guilty in Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scam

A Pembroke Pines couple has been convicted of using stolen identities to file fraudulent tax returns, netting them over $1.9 million in refunds.

Walther Wilson Godfrey, 37, and Rhonda Peggy Gittens, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, commit wire fraud and commit aggravated identity theft, as well as aggravated identity theft and access device fraud.

Between July 2009 and August 2014, Godfrey and Gittens conspired to use stolen identification information, including names, social security numbers, addresses and dates of birth, without the individuals’ authorization to file false income tax refund claims for 2009 through 2011.

The couple owned and operated 2G Inc., a tax return preparation business and G&G Check Cashing Inc., a check cashing business, both in Pembroke Pines. They recruited a co-conspirator to obtain Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs) in his name to file the fraudulent income tax returns.

Godfrey and Gittens filed more than 700 fraudulent tax returns requesting over $1.9 million in income tax refunds. They also possessed device-making equipment, including an identification card printer, a credit card embosser, hologram stickers for driver’s licenses and credit cards and blank credit cards.

The couple faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy charge, a statutory mandatory sentence of two years in prison and one year of supervised release for the aggravated identity theft charge, and a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the access device fraud charge.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo Ferrer and Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Karadbil and Assistant Chief Greg Tortella, who prosecuted the case.