Related Federal Cases
- Angela Miller and Lee Lynwood, Tax Return Fraud, Georgia, 2008 · Washington
- Kimberly Michelle Banks, Identity Theft Tax Fraud Scheme, GA, 2023 · Georgia
- William Frazier Sentenced to 51 Months for Wire Fraud, Midland GA, … · Virginia
- Willie C. Grant, ID Theft and Tax Refund Fraud, Macon GA, 2008 · Virginia
- Maurice Hester Sentenced to 64 Months for Tax Fraud, Milledgeville … · Georgia
Frazier B. Todd, Tax Fraud, Georgia 2017
ATLANTA – A Georgia man has been sentenced to 18 years, 6 months in prison for his role in a massive tax fraud scheme that bilked the government out of over $5.5 million.
Frazier B. Todd, 58, was sentenced on March 29, 2017, after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, obstructing the internal revenue laws, and 10 counts of presenting false claims for refund to the IRS.
Todd, who owned and operated Diverse Resource Business and Tax Firm in Union City, Georgia, was accused of preparing false tax returns for thousands of clients, many of whom were disabled, elderly, or low-income.
According to prosecutors, Todd conspired with Cozzie Walker and Roberta Sheffield to exploit the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for certain college expenses such as tuition and related costs.
Marketing the AOTC as a “stimulus” available to almost anyone, Todd and his business partners prepared false tax returns for their clients, falsely claiming that they were entitled to the credit.
“Mr. Todd represents a small but very harmful segment of the tax return preparation industry that takes advantage of our tax system,” said U.S. Attorney John Horn. “By falsely claiming that his clients were entitled to the American Opportunity Tax Credit and other tax credits, Todd and other fraudulent return preparers like him cause real financial damage to the government’s fiscal health and our economy as a whole.”
Todd was also convicted for a broader fraud scheme in which he exploited not only the AOTC but other tax credits as well to maximize his clients’ refunds.
“IRS Criminal Investigation has a zero-tolerance policy for refund fraud,” said James Dorsey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office. “Return Preparer fraud is a top priority for the agency and our special agents work year round to bring return preparers who lack integrity and engage in illegal activities to justice.”
Todd’s sentencing serves as a warning to others who may be considering similar crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News