Aaron Troupe, Tax and Identity Theft, Florida 2019

Tampa Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Scheme

Aaron Troupe, a 30-year-old resident of Tampa, Florida, has been sentenced to five years and one month in federal prison for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme. In addition to the prison term, Troupe was ordered to pay $449,529.97 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell on April 17, 2019, after Troupe pleaded guilty to charges of theft of government property and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Troupe, a member of the "Manche Boy Mafia" or "MBM" gang, engaged in stolen identity refund fraud and credit card fraud between 2012 and 2018. During this time, Troupe and his associates submitted fraudulent tax returns using stolen identities, resulting in the IRS paying out refunds totaling approximately $449,529.97 for the tax years 2011-2013.

The investigation into Troupe's activities began in August 2016, when a property cleaning service discovered a laptop, notebooks containing personally identifiable information, and firearms in the backyard of a rental property in Tampa. Further investigation linked the information found in the notebooks to Troupe, including fingerprints and addresses.

The IRS determined that the fraudulent tax returns filed by Troupe and his associates claimed refunds totaling $1,295,583, with the IRS paying out approximately $449,529.97. The case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.

Troupe's sentence serves as a reminder of the severity of tax and identity theft crimes, and the importance of protecting sensitive personal information. The case also highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies in disrupting and dismantling organized crime groups like the "Manche Boy Mafia".

Trouble's prison sentence will be served at a federal correctional facility, and he will be required to pay the restitution ordered by the court. The case serves as a warning to others who may be involved in similar crimes, and demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to protecting the public and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/thirteenth-member-manche-boy-mafia-sentenced-more-five-years-tax-and-identity-theft