Milwaukee Couple Nabbed in $1.7M Tax Refund Scam

MILWAUKEE, WI – A Milwaukee couple is facing federal time after a brazen scheme to pilfer over $1.7 million from the U.S. Treasury. Alberto Fernandez Ramirez (51) and Ana Delia Dominguez (45) were each sentenced to 24 months in prison on September 8, 2020, following a guilty plea to three counts of theft of government money, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

The couple’s operation, spanning roughly from 2010 through 2017, revolved around fraudulently acquiring Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs). Ramirez and Dominguez reportedly obtained personal identifying documents belonging to Mexican citizens – essentially stealing their identities – and then used those documents to apply for ITINs in the victims’ names. These fraudulently obtained ITINs were then used to file bogus tax returns, heavily relying on false claims for the Additional Child Tax Credit. The result? Over $1.7 million in U.S. Treasury checks sent directly to the perpetrators.

U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Krueger, of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, didn’t mince words. “The defendants pursued an outrageous and brazen scheme to steal taxpayer dollars, by obtaining ITINs in the names of foreign nationals and then using those ITINs to file bogus tax refund claims,” Krueger stated. While the government recommended a harsher sentence – 46 to 57 months – Judge Lynn Adelman ultimately handed down the 24-month sentence, along with an order to repay the IRS a staggering $1,733,677.22 in restitution.

IRS Criminal Investigation, which led the investigation, emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating such fraud. “We want everyone who files a tax return to take advantage of the deductions and credits to which they are entitled by law; however, no one is allowed to defraud the government and take what is not theirs,” said Special Agent in Charge Kathy A. Enstrom of the Chicago Field Office. “The IRS will continue to be relentless in our mission to stop these types of fraudulent tax refund schemes and will continue to bring criminals to justice.”

This wasn’t a victimless crime. While the immediate loss falls to taxpayers, the theft of identities and the misuse of personal information represent a significant violation of trust. Ramirez and Dominguez exploited a system designed to provide legitimate assistance, turning it into a personal slush fund. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Keith Alexander, highlighting the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to crack down on financial crimes.

The Department of Justice is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary. This case serves as a stark reminder that even as the agency marks a milestone, its core mission – upholding the law and protecting the public – remains unchanged. Further information on the Department of Justice’s history can be found at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years. # # # #