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Hugh Robinson, 46, Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Identity Theft and Tax Fraud in California
Hugh Robinson, a resident of San Pablo, California, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a scheme to steal public money and identities of deceased individuals, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch for the Northern District of California.
In October 2016, Robinson was convicted of conspiring to steal public money, stealing public money, and aggravated identity theft. According to evidence presented at his trial, from at least August 2013 through April 2015, Robinson and his co-conspirators took names and personal identification information of deceased individuals from California death records and used them to file income tax returns seeking refunds.
Robinson and his co-conspirators directed the refunds to addresses and bank accounts that they controlled. In addition, Robinson bought and cashed legitimate refund and social security benefits checks that he knew had been stolen. The total intended loss was more than $1.5 million.
As part of his sentence, Robinson was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $900,402 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The investigation was conducted by special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Newman and Jose A. Olivera, and Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Tax Division, prosecuted the case.
Robinson’s crimes were uncovered and he was brought to justice through the tireless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the identities and financial information of individuals.
Hugh Robinson, 46, San Pablo, California, October 2016, 12 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, $900,402 in restitution.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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