Indiana Mother and Son Hit with Fraudulent Tax Charge

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Tracie Lynne Ellis and her son, Terrell Sir William Franklin, have been hit with a federal indictment in Indiana, charging them with conspiracy to defraud the United States through fraudulent tax refunds.

The mother-son duo is accused of filing false claims with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the guise of two trusts they created, the Tracie Lynne Ellis Trust and the Terrell Sir Williams Franklin Trust. These were not businesses but merely a front to siphon off approximately $156,248 in refunds that they were not entitled to.

According to federal prosecutors, Ellis and Franklin systematically deposited these funds into a bank account and withdrew them over seven months. The investigation was led by IRS-Criminal Investigation agents, who have been relentless in their pursuit of those who attempt to defraud the nation’s tax system.

The charges carry serious penalties, with a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years for conspiracy and five years for each false claim count. Ellis and Franklin also face supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties if convicted.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg and Acting U.S. Attorney Clifford D. Johnson have praised the efforts of the IRS-Criminal Investigation agents involved in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Bell and John Mulcahy are prosecuting the matter on behalf of the Tax Division.

This case serves as a stark reminder that the fight against tax fraud is ongoing, and those who attempt to exploit the system will be held accountable.

RELATED: Rio Rancho Predator Gets 8 Years for Enticing Teen

RELATED: Avon CEO Donnis Mizelle Cops to $580K Embezzlement