Grimy Times has learned that a Bronx tax preparer has been sentenced to three years in prison for a multi-year tax fraud scheme involving stolen identities.
Rebecca Bayou, a tax preparer in the Bronx, used stolen identities to file false tax returns and collect the refunds for dozens of victims in her money-making scheme, according to U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman.
BAYUO was convicted of 12 counts of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns, one count of theft of government funds, one count of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of subscribing to false tax returns, after a two-and-a-half-week jury trial.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl, who also ordered BAYUO to forfeit $76,985 and pay restitution of $127,356.
BAYUO owned and operated Breakthrough Insurance Brokerage, a tax preparation business, in the Bronx. From 2010 to 2014, BAYUO used stolen identifying information of victims to file fraudulent federal income tax returns, which generated tax refunds to which BAYUO was not entitled.
Additionally, BAYUO prepared and submitted to the IRS fraudulent tax returns for her clients that resulted in increased tax refunds, to which her clients were not entitled. Among other things, BAYUO charged her clients an additional fee in exchange for providing them with the stolen identities of children as false “dependents” to claim on their tax returns.
The Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation that led to BAYUO’s conviction. The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Mollie Bracewell and Cecilia Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.
BAYUO’s sentence serves as a reminder that tax fraud has serious consequences, including imprisonment and financial penalties. If you or someone you know is facing tax fraud charges, seek the advice of a qualified attorney.
Defendant: Rebecca Bayou
Criminal Charges: 12 counts of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns, one count of theft of government funds, one count of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of subscribing to false tax returns
City and State: The Bronx, New York
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence or Outcome: Three years in prison, $76,985 forfeiture, and $127,356 restitution
Dollar Amounts: $76,985 and $127,356
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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