North Miami Man Pleads Guilty in $2.4M Tax Refund Scam

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Jeaneno Florent, a 38-year-old North Miami resident, has copped to his involvement in a multi-million dollar tax refund scheme, pleading guilty to wire fraud. The scam, which flooded the Internal Revenue Service with fraudulent claims, is estimated to have reached $2.4 million.

Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, along with IRS-CI, USSS, and USPIS agents, announced Florent’s plea today. Sentencing looms on May 9, 2014, at which point Florent could face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

Documents reveal that Florent falsely claimed to have earned nearly $8.7 million at Capitol Records, Inc., leading to an unauthorized refund check totaling $613,000. The IRS was deceived into believing he was entitled to the payout due to his supposed employment and earnings.

In addition to his own fraudulent claims, Florent is accused of conspiring with Gerald Duverger to file similar claims, raking in another $1.2 million in fake refunds. Both men were greedy for a quick buck, disregarding the law and the financial strain their actions placed on the IRS.

Attorney Ferrer praised the investigative efforts of the IRS-CI, USSS, and USPIS, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael N. Berger will handle the prosecution of this case. A full press release and related documents can be found on the respective websites of the United States Attorney’s Office and District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

This is a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to in pursuit of wealth, often at the expense of legitimate tax payers and government resources. Florent’s guilty plea sends a message: such schemes are not just financial crimes but serious violations of federal law that can lead to severe punishment.

RELATED: Miami Clinic Owner Admits $5.3M Medicare Scam

RELATED: Miami Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to $5.3M HIV Fraud Scheme