A Saint Paul woman was sentenced to 24 months in prison for using stolen identities to file false income tax returns.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ebony Shante Yarbrough, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft on August 12, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.
The investigation found that Yarbrough convinced friends and family members to allow her to file their state and federal income tax returns, claiming she knew how to prepare the returns and would charge less than a tax preparation service.
Between 2013 and 2015, Yarbrough prepared taxpayers’ returns by claiming false Schedule C income, characterizing it as ‘hair stylist,’ ‘cleaner,’ or ‘exotic dancer.’ She included dependents on taxpayers’ returns by using stolen personal identifying information belonging to minors, enabling them to qualify for other tax credits.
The scheme accounted for more than $500,000 in false state and federal claims.
Yarbrough was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $298,054.01.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS, with the assistance of the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Svendsen prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Ebony Shante Yarbrough, Aggravated Identity Theft, Minnesota 2016 · Minnesota
- Ronald Charles Reed, Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, California 2024 · North Carolina
- Alex Boyd, Gun Shop Theft, Minnesota 2024 · New Hampshire
- William Johnson, Murder and RICO Conspiracy, Minnesota 2023 · Washington
- Dantrell Johnson, RICO Conspiracy, Minnesota 2023 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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