OAKLAND — Hugh Robinson, 46, of Richmond, was convicted Friday on all counts after a six-day federal trial exposing a brazen, years-long scheme to steal over $1.2 million in public funds through fake tax returns and stolen Social Security checks. A jury found Robinson guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of public money, seven counts of theft of public money, and seven counts of aggravated identity theft, marking a major win for federal prosecutors in Northern California.
The evidence laid bare in court revealed Robinson as a central player in a sprawling network of fraud stretching from Northern California to Los Angeles and Texas. Between August 21, 2013, and April 27, 2015, Robinson and more than ten co-conspirators cashed stolen U.S. Treasury checks and filed false federal tax returns using the personal identifying information of real — and in some cases, deceased — individuals. Names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers were weaponized to fabricate wage records and trigger IRS refunds.
Robinson didn’t just file fake returns — he engineered the payout. Prosecutors proved he directed the IRS to deposit refunds into bank accounts he controlled or those belonging to his accomplices. When paper checks were issued, they were mailed to addresses Robinson provided, often tied to co-conspirators. The scheme exploited gaps in verification systems, turning the IRS into an ATM for criminals.
But the fraud didn’t stop at digital deception. Robinson also obtained stolen Treasury checks — including Social Security benefit checks — and forged identification to cash them. Fake IDs bore the names and numbers of victims but featured photos of Robinson or his crew. Walmart stores across the region became cash-out points, with insiders allegedly paid off to bypass security and process the fraudulent transactions.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Newman and Jose A. Olivera, along with Trial Attorney Gregory Bernstein of the Department of Justice Tax Division, with assistance from Jonathan Deville. The investigation was led by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, under Special Agent in Charge Michael T. Batdorf, whose team traced financial breadcrumbs through shell accounts, fake addresses, and corrupt retail employees.
Hugh Robinson now faces a mandatory minimum of 14 years in federal prison due to the seven counts of aggravated identity theft, each carrying a two-year sentence to be served consecutively. Additional penalties include up to 5 years for conspiracy and 10 years per count on theft of public money charges, plus fines up to $250,000 per count. Sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, who presided over the trial.
Related Federal Cases
- LA Man Facing 20 Years for $800K Tax Fraud Scheme · Texas
- Leschyshyn Sentenced for $23M Fraud Scheme · Colorado
- Rocklin Man Pleads Guilty to Massive Mortgage Fraud Scheme · Illinois
- Stefano Vitale Gets 262 Months in $23M Fraud Scheme · Colorado
- Calif Man Pleads Guilty to ID Theft, Tax Fraud in Alaska · Alaska
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
