ORLANDO, FL – Michael Carvalho, a resident of Orlando, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to the plea agreement, Carvalho, along with others, passed or attempted to pass more than 441 federal tax refund checks in excess of $2.9 million at six banks in the Middle District of Florida.
The checks were fraudulently obtained and/or contained falsely made or forged endorsements or signatures. Along with others, Carvalho deposited these instruments on 180 different days, over a two-year period.
Carvalho faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the theft of government property and a consecutive 2-year sentence for the aggravated identity theft count. He also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $2,223,083.44, representing the amount of illicit proceeds gained from the theft, and forfeiture of the contents of three JPMorgan Chase accounts and real properties located at 2615 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando, Florida, and 2045 Shadow Drive, Geneva, Florida.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haas.
Carvalho’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the identity theft ring he was involved in. The ring, which operated from October 2011 through September 2013, fraudulently obtained and deposited over $2.9 million in federal tax refund checks.
The case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting taxpayer funds from identity theft. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation worked tirelessly to bring Carvalho to justice.
Carvalho’s sentencing is scheduled for a later date. He will face the consequences of his actions and serve the time he has earned.
Defendant:
Michael Carvalho
Criminal Charges:
Theft of government property (max 10 years) and aggravated identity theft (max 2 years)
City and State:
Orlando, Florida
Exact Date:
October 2011 through September 2013
Sentence or Outcome:
Michael Carvalho faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. He also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $2,223,083.44 and forfeiture of the contents of three JPMorgan Chase accounts and real properties.
Related Federal Cases
- Jermaine Winters, Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft, Florida 2012 · Florida
- Andy Lamour, Identity Theft Tax Refund Fraud, Florida 2012 · Florida
- Louis A. Francois, Wire Fraud Aggravated Identity Theft, Florida 2023 · Florida
- Kency Aime, Access Device Fraud and Identity Theft, Florida 2023 · Idaho
- Cherica Daniels, Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Aggravated Identity Theft, Florida 2014 · Idaho
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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