Newark, N.J. – Wellington Feliz, a 36-year-old Bronx man, admitted to leading a $1 million scheme involving fraudulent IRS tax refunds, announced U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito.
Feliz, along with conspirators, deposited over $1 million in fraudulent refund checks into accounts under his control. The theft of government property charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to twice the gain or loss from the offense.
The scheme targeted individuals’ personal information, often from Puerto Rico, using it to falsify tax returns and cash refunds. Feliz personally profited from the scheme, withdrawing funds from accounts he controlled.
Feliz was initially charged with six co-defendants in a complaint for conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. He violated pretrial release conditions by fleeing to the Dominican Republic before being extradited back to New Jersey.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of an indictment, including theft of government property and aggravated identity theft, each carrying significant penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for September 24, 2019.
The investigation was conducted by special agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Service, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat financial crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- New York Thieves Sentenced for $1 Million ID Fraud Scheme · Puerto Rico
- Hector Urena Gets 54 Months for Stolen Identity Tax Fraud · Puerto Rico
- Crypto Conman Accused of $650M Global Fraud · New Jersey
- Bronx Tax Preparer Flor Soto Gets 87 Months for $24M Fraud · Puerto Rico
- Yerfri Castillo Pleads Guilty to $2.89M ID Theft Tax Scam · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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