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Tampa Couple Charged with Tax Fraud
Tampa, FL – A shocking case of tax evasion has come to light in Tampa, Florida, as a couple has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of tax fraud. Jermell C. Hickman and Ebonie Hampton, both residents of Tampa, were taken into custody after a thorough investigation by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
According to the indictment, Hickman and Hampton engaged in a conspiracy with each other, from at least as early as January 2012 through October 2012, to file fraudulent tax returns using stolen identity information of other individuals in order to obtain tax refunds. The indictment charges the couple with one count of conspiracy, four counts of wire fraud, twelve counts of filing false claims, ten counts of theft of government property, and ten counts of aggravated identity theft.
If convicted on all counts, each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge, up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, up to 5 years imprisonment for each charge of filing false claims, and up to 10 years in prison for each offense of theft of government property, all of which to be followed by up to 2 years imprisonment for each count of aggravated identity theft.
The indictment also notifies both individuals that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $288,607.25, the proceeds of their scheme to defraud. This case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of tax evasion and the importance of transparency in financial dealings.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation has been instrumental in bringing this case to light, and their efforts are a testament to their dedication to upholding the law and protecting the integrity of the tax system. This case is a reminder that tax evasion will not be tolerated and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable.
The case of Hickman and Hampton is a disturbing example of the lengths to which some individuals will go to commit tax fraud. The consequences of their actions could be severe, and it is only through the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies like the IRS that such crimes can be brought to justice.
As this case moves forward, the public can expect to hear more about the details of the scheme and the extent of the couple’s involvement. For now, the focus remains on the investigation and the prosecution of those responsible.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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