Grimy Times has learned that Steven D. Pjevach, a former resident of Montana and Nevada, has pleaded guilty 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.
Pjevach 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.
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).
The scheme was uncovered by special agents of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation. Trial Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker are prosecuting the case.
Pjevach faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for March 23, 2017.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter commended the special agents and prosecutors on their work in bringing Pjevach to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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