NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Charles Burnett, 34, of Nashville, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced today for a brazen double-dip into fraud, stealing tax refunds and then defrauding banks. U.S. District Court handed down a 54-month sentence, followed by five years of supervised release, for the career criminal.
The initial scheme, uncovered by investigators in September 2018, involved a conspiracy to pilfer federal income tax refund checks. Between June 2014 and May 2017, Burnett directed a network of associates to establish bank accounts and shell companies designed to launder the stolen funds. He even incorporated CB Entertainment and Marketing, LLC, a business created solely to deposit the ill-gotten gains. The total take from the stolen checks amounted to $636,366.68, though Burnett and his crew only successfully cashed $271,712.04.
Burnett initially pleaded guilty to the tax refund scheme in November 2018, but that didn’t stop him. While awaiting sentencing, he launched a new scheme in March 2019 targeting local banks. The MO was simple: open accounts, deposit funds, spend or transfer the money, then falsely report fraud to trigger reimbursement from the banks. This time, in February of this year, authorities caught up with him and he was charged with bank fraud, pleading guilty in April and remaining in custody until today’s sentencing.
Federal investigators from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. Secret Service, and the FBI untangled Burnett’s web of deceit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Levine secured the conviction and sentencing. The judge didn’t just stop at prison time; Burnett was ordered to pay $271,712.04 in restitution for the stolen tax refunds and to forfeit $252,346.44. He’ll also be on the hook for $21,086.46 in restitution and a corresponding forfeiture amount related to the bank fraud.
The court’s decision sends a clear message: exploiting the tax system and preying on financial institutions will not be tolerated. Burnett’s attempts to profit from fraud, even while facing charges for previous crimes, demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and a willingness to repeatedly victimize both the government and private banks.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of financial crimes and the dedication of federal agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible. The combined efforts of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Secret Service, and the FBI were instrumental in bringing Burnett to justice and securing a significant penalty for his actions. The Middle District of Tennessee U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize cases involving fraud and financial crimes, protecting taxpayers and ensuring the integrity of the financial system.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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