Muhammad Sarfraz Ashraf, a 42-year-old Tyler, Texas man, has pleaded guilty to mail fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Ashraf pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit mail fraud on Sep. 19, 2013 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.
According to information presented in court, from Nov. 2010 to June 2011, Ashraf, who owned and operated an automobile repair and maintenance shop in Tyler, conspired with others to cause the Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office to mail false certificate of title application packages to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
The conspiracy was devised in order to obtain fraudulent vehicle titles and unlawfully avoid payment of sales taxes. Specifically, Ashraf would omit the sales price on applications and indicate that the specific transfer was a gift. Ashraf also falsified dates so as to make it appear transactions occurred prior to a change in Texas law regarding when transfers were considered gifts for tax purposes.
Ashraf faces up to 5 years in federal prison and restitution. A sentencing date has not been set. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Smith County District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Frank Coan, Jr. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the guilty plea, stating that Ashraf’s actions were a serious violation of federal law. The office also praised the work of the investigating agencies, saying that their efforts helped to bring Ashraf to justice.
The guilty plea is a significant development in the case, and it is likely that Ashraf will face serious consequences for his actions. The case highlights the importance of enforcing federal laws related to mail fraud and conspiracy, and it serves as a warning to others who may be considering similar crimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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