Crystal Burrows, IRS Tax Scam, Texas 2023

Arlington Woman Sentenced for IRS Tax Scam

DALLAS – A brazen scheme to defraud the IRS has landed an Arlington woman behind bars, with a hefty price tag: 28 months in federal prison and $320,375 in restitution. According to court documents, Crystal Burrows, 38, of Arlington, Texas, knowingly and intentionally participated in the scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which began in 2014.

Burrows, who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in January 2017, electronically filed tax returns for the tax year 2013 using her own EFIN, and for tax years 2014 and 2015 using EFINs of coconspirators, under taxpayers’ names and social security numbers without their knowledge or consent. In total, Burrows prepared and filed at least 22 fraudulent tax returns using stolen identifying information of taxpayers.

The scheme didn’t stop there. Burrows also used two stolen social security numbers to establish numerous credit card accounts, a car loan, store accounts, and care credit accounts typically used for medical procedures. The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani leading the prosecution.

U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle ordered Burrows to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 17, 2018. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.

Burrows’ scheme to defraud the IRS has left taxpayers footing the bill, with the government seeking $320,375 in restitution. The sentencing is a reminder of the serious consequences of tax fraud, and the importance of protecting taxpayer information.

The case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the system for personal gain. As U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox noted, “tax fraud is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of our tax system.” The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as more information becomes available.

Contact: grimytimes@grimytimes.com

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