Stolen Identity Tax Refund Scam Lands Man 70 Months Behind Bars

A 70-month prison sentence was handed down to Gregory Slaton in Alabama for his involvement in a brazen stolen identity tax refund scam. Slaton, along with his associates, used prisoner names and a corrupt U.S. Postal Service employee to file false tax returns, swindling $82,971 from the system.

According to court documents, Slaton conspired with his wife, Jacqueline Slaton, his brother-in-law, Harvey James, and a U.S. Postal Service employee, Vernon Harrison. James and Jacqueline Slaton obtained stolen identities, including those of inmates, and used those identities to file the false tax returns. Slaton recruited Harrison into the conspiracy, who then provided Slaton with mailing addresses on his postal route to which they could mail the fraudulently claimed prepaid debit cards.

The scheme involved directing tax refunds to be issued on debit cards and checks and sent to the specified addresses on Harrison’s mail route. The investigation revealed a complex web of deceit, with Slaton and his associates using the stolen identities to reap financial rewards.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General. Trial Attorneys Jason Poole and Michael Boteler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Brown for the Middle District of Alabama.

The sentencing of Slaton marks a significant victory in the fight against identity theft and tax refund scams. The U.S. government continues to crack down on such schemes, ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law.

Gregory Slaton will serve 70 months in prison, pay $82,971 in restitution, and undergo three years of supervised release after his prison sentence. His associates, including Vernon Harrison, Harvey James, and Jacqueline Slaton, have also received significant prison sentences for their roles in the scheme. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the consequences of engaging in such crimes.

For more information on the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts, visit the division’s website.

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