Montgomery, Alabama — Jarvarus Antwon Smith, 31, was sentenced to one year in federal prison on December 5, 2016, after being convicted of a brazen tax fraud scheme that exploited the identities of dozens of unsuspecting victims. The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama, underscores the ongoing threat of refund fraud targeting federal tax systems.
According to court records, the scheme unraveled in June 2013 when Montgomery Police Department (MPD) officers executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence as part of an unrelated investigation. Inside, they discovered 25 debit cards — most under names other than Smith’s — along with notebooks filled with personal identifying information belonging to 59 individuals, including Social Security numbers and bank account details.
Investigators from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the United States Secret Service determined that Smith used the stolen data to file more than 135 fraudulent federal income tax returns. The false filings sought illicit refunds totaling $92,952, all drawn from taxpayer-funded coffers. Smith was ultimately charged and convicted on federal access device fraud charges.
In addition to his prison term, Smith will serve a three-year period of supervised release upon his release. He has also been ordered to pay full restitution of $92,952. Authorities emphasized that such penalties are meant to both punish and deter others from exploiting the tax system through identity theft and digital fraud.
“Jarvarus Smith defrauded the government and the taxpaying public,” said Special Agent in Charge Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot of IRS-CI. “The outcome of this investigation is a direct result of a persistent effort to identify and eliminate refund fraud. We are approaching filing season and the judgment against Smith should serve as a warning to anyone considering similar criminal activities.”
U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr., praised the collaboration between federal and local agencies, stating, “My office has always placed a high priority on protecting taxpayer dollars. I would like to commend the efforts of all the law enforcement agencies involved for helping us bring Smith to justice.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd A. Brown.
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Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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