Khristine Harper, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for 20 counts of aiding or assisting in preparation of false tax return and one count of identity theft. The charges were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Harper appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on July 21, 2025, for her arraignment at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, Harper faces up to 65 years’ imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.
All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.
The investigation and prosecution of Harper’s case demonstrate the commitment of federal law enforcement agencies to combating tax fraud and identity theft. The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation worked together to gather evidence and build a case against Harper.
The public can access court documents related to Harper’s case through the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html. The case against Harper serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities, including tax return schemes and identity theft.
In order to prevent similar crimes, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the risks of tax fraud and identity theft. The Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies provide resources and guidance on how to protect oneself from these types of crimes. By reporting suspicious activity and cooperating with law enforcement, individuals can help prevent tax fraud and identity theft.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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