Montana Man Guilty of Tax Fraud
A former resident of Montana and Nevada, Steven D. Pjevach, pleaded guilty today to one count of corruptly interfering with the administration of the internal revenue laws.
According to court documents, Pjevach filed false and fraudulent income tax returns using personal identifying information, including individuals’ names and social security numbers obtained through posting false help-wanted advertisements on Craigslist.
Pjevach also opened and caused to be opened, and used and caused to be used, bank accounts in other individuals’ names to receive the fraudulently obtained tax refunds. He provided false information to the individuals whose accounts he used regarding the reason he was using their accounts, and advised one individual to disregard correspondence from the bank regarding the account.
Furthermore, Pjevach created false and fraudulent Forms W-2, which he attached to the fraudulent returns in an effort to deceive the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2017. Pjevach faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter commended special agents of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker, who are prosecuting the case.
The Tax Division continues to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of tax crimes, including those involving identity theft and tax refund fraud.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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