Related Federal Cases
Fort Myers Man’s Tax Returns Prove to be a Sham
A federal jury has found Lee County resident Ronald Francis Croteau guilty of filing false tax claims and obstructing the administration of the Internal Revenue laws. Croteau was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison for his egregious crimes.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Croteau claimed to be a member of the Little Shell Pembina Band of North Dakota and deemed himself to be an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven. He also belonged to a sovereign citizen, anti-government group.
Between September 2008 and May 2010, Croteau filed 10 false and fraudulent income tax returns claiming refunds totaling more than $3.8 million. These returns were false and fraudulent in that they claimed federal tax withholdings from fraudulent 1099-OID forms purportedly issued to Croteau by financial institutions.
When notified by the IRS that his income tax returns were frivolous, Croteau continued to file fraudulent income tax returns. In addition, he obstructed the administration of the Internal Revenue laws by filing false liens against IRS employees, submitting fraudulent instruments to the IRS in an attempt to discharge his tax liabilities, and recording false documents with the Lee County Clerk of Court.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Croteau’s actions not only wasted taxpayer dollars but also put a strain on the already overburdened IRS. His sentence is a reminder that those who commit tax crimes will face severe consequences.
The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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