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Six Indicted in Tax Refund Scheme
South Dakota, USA – A brazen scheme to defraud the United States of millions in tax refunds has been busted, with six individuals indicted for their roles in the conspiracy.
The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2014, charges the defendants with Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Aggravated Identity Theft. The alleged masterminds behind the scheme are Donta J. Moore, age 28, of Kansas City, MO; Timothy L. Brister, Jr., age 29, of Tampa, FL; Undra Stewart Franks, age 27, of Little Rock, AR; Jennifer Robinson, age 25, of Fargo, ND; Shawnte Washington, age 31, of Tampa, FL; and Anna Weber, age 27, of West Fargo, ND.
The indictment alleges that the defendants used personal identifying information, including names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth, stolen from others to file fraudulent income tax returns claiming false income tax refunds. The indictment also charges Moore, Brister, Franks, Robinson, and Washington with one count each of transferring, using or possessing the name, date of birth or Social Security number of other persons in relation to stealing or embezzling money from the United States government.
Moore, Brister, Franks, Robinson, and Washington face a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The aggravated identity theft offense carries a mandatory sentence upon conviction of 2 years in custody consecutive to any other sentence.
The investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with the Moorhead, MN, police department and the U.S. Secret Service also aiding in the inquiry. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Haak is prosecuting the case.
Franks has been released pending trial, while the others will make their first court appearance in Sioux Falls in early March. A trial date has not been set.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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