A Hammond, Louisiana resident, Cedrick Mitchell, aka Skeet, 40, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a triple-object conspiracy to defraud the United States, to commit theft of public money, and mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Cedrick Mitchell pleaded guilty on June 17 to one count of a triple-object conspiracy to defraud the United States, to commit theft of public money, and mail fraud. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey of the Eastern District of Louisiana imposed today’s sentence and set a later date to determine Mitchell’s restitution amount that Mitchell will have to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to court documents, Mitchell and his co-defendants conspired to file false federal income tax returns using stolen identities. The conspirators used stolen names and social security numbers to prepare false tax returns that claimed tax refunds. The refund checks were mailed to addresses in Louisiana, including to post office boxes that were opened and controlled by the conspirators. The conspirators then falsely endorsed and cashed the checks. Mitchell also deposited refund checks from the U.S. Treasury into a bank account under his control.
The indictment also charged Corey Lewis, aka Coco, 37; Angela Chaney, 43; Craig Lewis, 40; Brad Lewis, aka Bird, 32; Thaddeus Richardson, 49; and Martin Jackson Sr., 48. They were charged with conspiracy, and some of them were also charged with various counts of theft of public money, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden Brockett and Dall Kammer and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Cedrick Mitchell’s sentence is a prime example of the consequences of engaging in tax fraud. The law is clear: filing false tax returns using stolen identities is a serious crime that can result in significant prison time and financial penalties.
Mitchell’s case is a reminder to taxpayers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The IRS and other law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who engage in tax fraud and identity theft.
Related Federal Cases
- Olsen Saravia-Hernandez, Tax Fraud Conspiracy, Louisiana 2023 · Louisiana
- Nisika West, Tax Fraud, Louisiana 2012 · Louisiana
- Susantha Wijetunge, Tax Refund Scheme, Louisiana 2024 · Louisiana
- Michael Paul Boyter, Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion, Louisiana 2014 · Louisiana
- Rommel Cordova, Tax Return Fraud, Louisiana 2011 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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