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Two Sumter Residents Indicted for Tax Fraud Scheme
Columbia, South Carolina – In a shocking turn of events, two Sumter residents have been charged with tax fraud in a scheme that has left authorities stunned. Crystal A. Blakely, 26, and Hercules E. Baker, 27, both of Sumter, South Carolina, have been accused of defrauding the United States government by claiming false and fraudulent federal tax refunds.
According to the indictment, Blakely and Baker conspired to defraud the United States Department of Treasury between January 2012 and April 2014 by submitting federal income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service that claimed false tax refunds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 286.
The indictment alleges that the duo submitted federal income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service that claimed false tax refunds. If found guilty, Blakely faces a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count, twenty years’ imprisonment for the wire fraud counts, and two years’ consecutive imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft counts.
The investigation, led by the Internal Revenue Service, has been ongoing since 2012. Assistant United States Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Bill Nettles emphasized that the charges in this Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Crystal A. Blakely and Hercules E. Baker are expected to appear in court to face the charges. The case has left many in the community questioning the motives behind the alleged scheme.
The indictment is a stark reminder of the need for individuals to be vigilant when it comes to tax laws and regulations. The case is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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