A 35-year-old man from Hampton, Georgia, has admitted to defrauding the government by filing a false claim for COVID-19 relief. Robert Ward, a resident of Hampton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a charge of filing a false claim with the United States.
The crime occurred in 2022 when Ward filed a false Form 7200 with the IRS claiming advance payment of employer credits of $627,326. He falsely claimed to have a business with 50 employees and to have paid over $450,000 in quarterly wages. In reality, his business was a sole proprietorship, and he was not entitled to the advance payment of credits.
When used legitimately, a Form 7200 allows an employer to request an advance payment of employer credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The FFCRA provides small and midsize employers refundable tax credits that reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages to their employees for leave related to COVID-19.
Robert Ward is scheduled to be sentenced on March 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Robert Ward, 35, of Hampton, Georgia, is currently facing the consequences of his actions. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and honesty in government programs.
Related Federal Cases
- Daniqua Clark, Mail Stream Theft and COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Georgia 2023 · Georgia
- Shaquandra Woods, Georgia Drug Ring Leader, Savannah GA, 2023 · Georgia
- Denver Fenton Allen Faces Habeas Corpus Challenge, M.D. Georgia, 2024 · Georgia
- Patrice Taylor, Filing Over 1,100 Fraudulent Tax Returns, Ashburn G… · Georgia
- Angela Miller and Lee Lynwood, Tax Return Fraud, Georgia, 2008 · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News