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Alabama Sisters Indicted for Tax Fraud and Identity Theft
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – In a shocking revelation, Loretta and Tracey Fergerson, two sisters from Montgomery, Alabama, have been indicted for their involvement in a tax fraud and identity theft conspiracy.
A 22-count indictment was returned on March 23, 2011, and unsealed on the same day. The indictment alleges that the sisters conspired to defraud the United States, filing false claims, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The investigation revealed that Loretta Fergerson operated Fast Tax Cash, a tax return preparation business in Montgomery, Ala., from January 2005 to February 2008. The defendants’ conspiracy spanned over one year and involved using stolen identities to file tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds.
According to the indictment, Tracey Fergerson unlawfully obtained the names and Social Security numbers of individuals. Loretta Fergerson would then electronically file false tax returns using the names and Social Security numbers Tracey provided. Loretta was then able to apply for and obtain refund anticipation loans from banks based on the false tax returns.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Loretta and Tracey Fergerson each face a maximum of 129 years in prison.
IRS-Criminal Investigation agents investigated this case, and Justice Department Tax Division Trial Attorneys Charles M. Edgar Jr. and Michael Boteler are prosecuting the case.
The Fergerson sisters’ case highlights the severity of identity theft and tax fraud. It is essential for individuals to be cautious when providing personal information and to verify the authenticity of tax preparation services.
The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing tax fraud and identity theft. If you or someone you know is a victim of tax fraud or identity theft, report it to the authorities immediately.
For more information about the Justice Department’s Tax Division and its enforcement efforts, visit www.usdoj.gov/tax.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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