Raven Hughes, Tax Fraud, Louisiana 2023

A 28-year-old woman from Hammond, Louisiana, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for her role in a multi-year tax fraud scheme. Raven Hughes, 28, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft for her involvement in the scheme.

According to court documents, Hughes obtained the name and social security number of unsuspecting individuals and used that information to prepare false tax returns that claimed large tax refunds. The refund checks were mailed to Post Office Boxes throughout Louisiana and to Hughes's residence in Hammond.

Once the tax refund checks were received, Hughes falsely endorsed and cashed the checks. She also arranged for some of the refunds to be transmitted electronically into bank accounts under her control. In total, Hughes caused not fewer than 148 federal income tax returns to be submitted in the names of at least 103 different individuals without their knowledge or authorization.

As a result of the conduct described above, between 2009 and 2012 Hughes received approximately $199,050. Hughes was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $119,050 to the Internal Revenue Service.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.

The sentencing took place on [sentencing date]. Hughes was found guilty of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft for her role in the tax fraud scheme.

The mandatory facts of this case include:

Defendant/respondent: Raven Hughes

Criminal charges: Mail fraud, aggravated identity theft

City and state: Hammond, Louisiana

Exact date: [sentencing date]

Sentence or outcome: 36 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, $119,050 in restitution

Dollar amounts: $199,050 (amount received), $119,050 (restitution)

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/hammond-woman-sentenced-role-tax-fraud-scheme