Related Federal Cases
- Leaford Cameron, Nationwide Law Fraud Scheme, Pennsylvania, 2023 · Georgia
- Shade Bakare, Stolen Identity Tax Fraud, GA 2013 · Georgia
- FDIC Assembles New Banking Watchdogs, Washington D.C., 2023 · New York
- Eyal Katz, Immigration Fraud and Money Laundering, VA 2024 · Virginia
- Simon Hong, Medicare Billing Scam, California 2024 · Georgia
Harrisburg Woman Sentenced to 1 Year in Federal Prison for Tax Evasion
A 35-year-old woman from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania has been sentenced to one year in federal prison for her role in filing false and fraudulent personal income tax returns. Sunalen Arzuaga, formerly of Harrisburg and currently residing in Brunswick, Georgia, was sentenced by United States Middle District Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Arzuaga pleaded guilty in November 2015 for her role in submitting false and fraudulent tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. Between the years 2008 and 2011, Arzuaga made numerous false representations in the preparation of income tax returns for herself and for others in order to maximize refund amounts.
The fraudulent preparation included misrepresenting Schedule C income, listing fictitious dependents and manipulating filing status. As a result, the United States Treasury issued $150,000 in refunds to unentitled individuals.
Chief Judge Conner also ordered Arzuaga to pay $112,640 in restitution for her share of the tax fraud scheme. The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Schinnour.
Arzuaga’s scheme was a brazen attempt to defraud the system and line her pockets with ill-gotten gains. Her sentence is a reminder that tax evasion will not be tolerated and those who engage in it will face the full force of the law.
The case serves as a warning to others who may be considering similar schemes. Tax evasion is a serious crime that carries severe consequences, including imprisonment and fines.
It is essential for taxpayers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can prevent tax evasion and ensure that those who engage in it are held accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime