Kenneth White, Tax Fraud, Ohio 2023

Four Indicted for $2 Million Tax Fraud Scheme in Northeast Ohio

Four people from Northeast Ohio have been accused of a brazen tax fraud scheme that netted them nearly $2 million in false refunds. The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach and IRS Special Agent in Charge Kathy Enstrom, charges Kenneth A. White, 47, of Cleveland, Gwendolyn N. White, 31, of Cleveland, Lacardaire M. Thedford, 47, of Cleveland, and Lavelle G. Green, of Bedford Heights, Ohio, with conspiring to file false tax claims.

The indictment alleges that Kenneth White recruited individuals to use as claimants on some false tax returns, often with the promise of substantial refunds. White and Green obtained names, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifiers of other people to use as claimants, including those in prison or jail, without their knowledge or consent.

Gwendolyn N. White, at the direction of Kenneth White and for a fee, prepared and electronically filed 10 false income tax returns for the year 2008 in the name of the claimants. The total amount claimed in the returns was approximately $1,995,687, according to the indictment.

The indictment charges the defendants with 11 counts, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Treasury, aiding and abetting the preparation of false tax returns, and attempting to evade payment of taxes.

The investigation was led by the IRS – Criminal Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vasile Katsaros.

“These defendants are charged with attempting to defraud the U.S. Treasury,” Dettelbach said. “They tried to take advantage of others to enrich themselves.”

“These individuals thought they had figured out a clever scheme to thwart the IRS and steal from the American taxpayers,” Enstrom said. “IRS will continue to vigorously pursue those who unjustly enrich themselves by preparing false claims for refunds. Protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take very seriously.”

Defendants: Kenneth A. White, 47, Gwendolyn N. White, 31, Lacardaire M. Thedford, 47, and Lavelle G. Green

Crime: Conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Treasury, aiding and abetting the preparation of false tax returns, and attempting to evade payment of taxes

City and State: Cleveland, Ohio

Date: Not specified

Sentence: TBA

Dollar amount: $1,995,687

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