Camilla Gonzalez, Tax Refund Fraud, Florida 2011

Two women from Lauderhill, Florida, have been sentenced for their roles in a massive tax refund fraud scheme that used stolen personal identifying information to file false online tax returns. Camilla Gonzalez, 29, and Patricia Alcime, 29, were sentenced to 102 months and 94 months in prison, respectively, for their crimes.

According to prosecutors, Gonzalez and Alcime conspired to defraud the IRS by obtaining and using stolen means of identification to file false and fraudulent federal income tax returns. The scheme resulted in the issuance of hundreds of fraudulent tax refunds totaling over $1.5 million.

The women used the Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) assigned to Luxury Tax Inc. and their individually assigned Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTIN) to electronically file the false returns. They then directed the IRS to deposit the refunds into bank accounts at JP Morgan Chase Bank and SunTrust Bank or onto pre-paid reloadable debit card accounts.

Once the funds were deposited, Gonzalez and Alcime withdrew the money by making withdrawals at local automated teller machines, transfers to other accounts under their control, or by using the debit cards associated with the Luxury Tax Inc. bank accounts to make everyday purchases.

In total, Gonzalez filed 621 fraudulent 2010 tax returns on behalf of unsuspecting identity theft victims, claiming $1,732,000 in refunds. Alcime filed 621 fraudulent 2011 tax returns, claiming $1,732,000 in refunds. The women also filed 1,242 fraudulent tax returns in 2011 and 2010, claiming $2,764,000 in refunds.

The women were convicted of conspiracy to commit false claims, theft of public money, and aggravated identity theft. They were ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution to the IRS and forfeit $511,801.28 in fraudulently obtained U.S. currency that had been frozen by SunTrust Bank and seized by the IRS.

Prosecutors say the scheme was carried out between January 15, 2011, and October 20, 2011. The investigation was conducted by the IRS-CI and the Broward Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.

RELATED: Tax Thief Gets 25 Months

Related Federal Cases