A scheme to defraud the government of an estimated $1.8 million in tax refunds has landed three Killeen residents in federal prison.
Yesterday afternoon in Austin, United States District Judge Lee Yeakel sentenced Albert Powell to 54 months in federal prison, Paris Stephens to 36 months, and Ronnie Cole to 18 months for their roles in a tax refund scheme.
Powell and Stephens were ordered to jointly and severally pay $852,226 in restitution to the IRS, while Cole was ordered to pay $121,810 in restitution to the IRS.
The scheme, which operated from 2010 to 2012, involved obtaining personal identification information from various sources and using it to file over 350 fraudulent income tax returns claiming refunds between $3,000 and $7,000.
The defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims and one count of fraudulent use and possession of a means of identification in July 2014.
“The sentencings of Albert Powell, Paris Stephens, and Ronnie Cole should be a reminder to others that IRS-Criminal Investigation is determined to bring down those who use identity theft to enrich themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge William Cotter, IRS-CI San Antonio Field Office.
Related Federal Cases
- Jose Antonio Caballero, Mortgage Fraud Scheme, Texas 2011 · Texas
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Administration Fraud and Tax Evasion, California 2023 · Texas
- Juan A. Tony Marrero, Medicare Fraud Scheme, Florida 2023 · Florida
- Jason Jarin, Medicaid Fraud and Illicit Transition Procedures, Texas 2023 · Texas
- Stuart C. Cole, Mail and Wire Fraud, Georgia 2013 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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