Identity thieves have been caught in the act, with two Jacksonville residents facing serious charges for their alleged roles in a wide-reaching identity theft and tax refund scheme.
According to a federal indictment, Laura Butler (39) and Cherica Daniels (32), both of Jacksonville, conspired to disrupt the collection of federal income tax by filing fraudulent income tax returns.
Butler, who worked at an insurance company, allegedly acquired the identification of others through her employment and, along with Daniels, filed false and fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
The indictment charges Butler and Daniels with conspiracy to defraud the United States, multiple counts of aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and access device fraud.
If convicted, the conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. The aggravated identity theft offenses each carry a mandatory prison term of two years, which must be served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for each wire fraud count is 20 years, and the access device fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase is handling the prosecution of this case.
Related Federal Cases
- Jermaine Winters, Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft, Chipley FL, … · New York
- Cherica Daniels Pleads Guilty to ID Theft and Tax Fraud, Jacksonvil… · Florida
- Andy Lamour, Identity Theft Tax Refund Fraud, Miami FL, 2023 · Florida
- Wisly Toussaint Sentenced to 14 Years for Identity Theft Tax Refund… · Florida
- Freddie Howard, Tax Refund Fraud Scheme, Davie FL, 2023 · Florida
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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