Sean Brooks, Bank Fraud, Mail Fraud, Conspiracy, Pennsylvania 2024

Crime Blunderbuss

BIG FOUR IN TAX SCAM

In a brazen tax scam that netted over $200,000 in fraudulent refunds, five Western Pennsylvania residents have been indicted on bank fraud, bank and mail fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States charges.

Sean Brooks, 27, who is currently incarcerated, prepared and arranged for the filing of more than 100 fraudulent tax returns on behalf of fellow inmates and other individuals, generating over $200,000 in fraudulent refunds. Brooks, who faces a maximum of 35 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000 or both, allegedly sent the refunds to various addresses, where they were cashed through federally insured financial institutions and check-cashing establishments after being forged.

The scheme involved several conspirators, including Amber Eubanks, 27, of Pittsburgh, Brandon Prater, 29, currently incarcerated, Simone Prater, 29, of Pittsburgh, and Tyrone Gossett, 63, of Pittsburgh. Eubanks, Prater, and the Praters each face up to 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both, while Gossett faces up to 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations.

An indictment is an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case highlights the brazen nature of some tax scams and the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars. In this case, the conspirators allegedly generated over $200,000 in fraudulent refunds, which were then cashed and used for personal gain.

The full extent of the scheme is still unclear, but one thing is certain: those involved will face the full force of the law.

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