A Lithonia, Georgia man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme that caused a tax loss of $409,114.27.
Jahmir Antoine Robinson, 35, was sentenced to four years, six months in federal prison for running the scheme, which involved using the stolen identities of 153 people to file false federal income tax returns.
According to U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak, Robinson obtained personal identity information, including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth, of true individuals to file federal tax returns without their authorization.
To circumvent IRS checks and balances, Robinson obtained Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) from the IRS for 17 individual corporations and filed fictitious Forms 944 so that the IRS database would automatically match employer income tax withholdings against the individual returns.
In total, Robinson used the stolen identities and EINs to file 153 fraudulent individual tax returns with the IRS for tax years 2010 and 2011. He caused the IRS to disburse refunds to an account he controlled.
“Thieves never stop looking for ways to take what is not theirs, no matter the harm they cause to people whose identity they stole,” said U.S. Attorney Pak. “Robinson’s theft affect’s not only the 153 who were targeted, it touches all taxpayers.”
Robinson was convicted on these charges on November 8, 2017, after he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Leigh Martin May to four years, six months in prison, four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $240,033.33 in restitution.
“With the filing season just starting this week, it is important that taxpayer’s keep their identities protected and notify the IRS immediately when someone files their tax return without authorization,” said Thomas J. Holloman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to utilize our resources and work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in holding those accountable who use stolen identities to file fraudulent tax returns.”
Robinson’s sentence is a reminder that the IRS and law enforcement agencies are working together to prosecute individuals who engage in identity theft and tax refund fraud schemes.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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