Kalah Bishop, Tax Fraud, New York 2015

A calculated scheme aimed at swindling millions from tax refunds has come to an end for Kalah Bishop, a 27-year-old Buffalo resident.

According to a recent plea, Bishop and her associates filed fraudulent federal and state income tax returns for over 49 individuals, netting a staggering $435,064 in refunds. The refunds were then deposited onto debit cards, which were used by Bishop and her associates to make purchases and withdraw cash.

The plea, which is the culmination of an investigation by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen, and investigators from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Criminal Investigations Division, under the direction of Michael Szrama, has seen Bishop plead guilty to access device fraud.

The charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, has seen Bishop agree to pay restitution of $416,192 to the Internal Revenue Service, and $18,872 to the New York State Department of Finance.

Bishop’s sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.

The investigation into Bishop’s scheme marks a major victory in the fight against tax fraud, and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such calculated deceit.

Bishop will be required to pay restitution of $416,192 to the Internal Revenue Service, and $18,872 to the New York State Department of Finance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maura K. O’Donnell is handling the case.

For more information, please contact Barbara Burns at (716) 843-5817 or (716) 551-3051.

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