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Family Ties to Crime: Texas Woman at Center of $763K Tax Fraud Scheme
Five family members in Texas accused of filing false tax returns on behalf of deceased individuals
In a shocking turn of events, five family members in Texas have been charged in an eight-count indictment alleging a tax fraud scheme that involved filing false tax returns on behalf of deceased individuals, netting them a whopping $763,124. The mastermind behind the scheme, Judy Lynn McCune, allegedly recruited members of her family, including her mother Loretta Ann McCune, sister Rania Ann Sanchez, and sons Robert Gutierrez and Edward Gutierrez, to prepare federal tax returns and cash United States Treasury refund checks in the name of deceased individuals.
According to the indictment, Judy Lynn McCune allegedly recruited her mother to prepare and file the false returns, while her sister and sons cashed refund checks issued in the name of deceased individuals. The conspiracy allegedly involved obtaining Social Security numbers and dates of birth for deceased individuals through the Internet and then filing both paper and electronic federal income tax returns using the identifiers of these deceased individuals.
The refunds were allegedly directly deposited in the personal bank account or mailed to the personal addresses of the accused. The indictment alleges the total scheme consisted of approximately 340 false claims, with Judy Lynn McCune and Loretta Ann McCune facing additional charges of aggravated identity theft and theft of government money.
“Investigating identity theft and refund fraud is a priority for IRS-CI,” said Lucy Cruz, Special Agent in Charge. “Stealing identities and filing false tax returns is a serious crime that hurts innocent taxpayers. These indictments should serve as a strong warning to those who are considering similar conduct. IRS-CI is serious about investigating these crimes and holding to account those who would defraud the government.”
Judy Lynn McCune, Rania Ann Sanchez, and Edward Gutierrez turned themselves in to federal authorities and are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Felix Recio today at 10:00 a.m. Loretta Ann McCune is expected to also turn herself in sometime in the near future. A warrant remains outstanding for Robert Gutierrez.
If convicted, all five family members face up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Judy Lynn and Loretta Ann McCune also face the same punishment if they are convicted of theft of government money. Loretta Ann McCune, Robert Gutierrez, and Edward Gutierrez face a possible sentence of five years in prison if convicted of filing false, fictitious or fraudulent claims. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, Judy Lynn McCune and Loretta Ann McCune will receive an additional mandatory two-year prison term that must be served consecutive to any other prison term imposed.
IRS investigated the case, with Assistant United States Attorney Karen Betancourt prosecuting. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.”
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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