Adetunji Gbadegeshi, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Erie PA, 2023

ERIE, Pa. – A Jamaican-born New York man is facing serious time for his role in a brazen stolen identity tax refund scheme.

Adetunji Gbadegeshi, 59, of Jamaica, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney David J. Hickton.

In a shocking twist, authorities discovered hundreds of stolen identities in Gbadegeshi’s home, which he used to open bank accounts and funnel fraudulently obtained federal tax refunds. The money was then distributed to his co-conspirators.

According to the indictment, Gbadegeshi’s scheme was designed to bilk the system, using the stolen identities to obtain tax refunds that were then funneled into bank accounts. The money was then withdrawn and distributed to his co-conspirators.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is leading the prosecution against Gbadegeshi, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation conducting the investigation.

U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone has scheduled Gbadegeshi’s sentencing for March 3, 2017. The law allows for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of loss to the victims, or both.

Gbadegeshi’s scheme is a stark reminder of the brazen ways in which identity thieves operate. Using stolen identities to obtain tax refunds is a common tactic, and law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat this type of crime.

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