⏱ 2 min read
Candia V. Williams, a Jacksonville woman, has been charged with conspiring to submit false claims and submitting false claims to the United States government. Williams, also known as Wisdom Shield El, allegedly caused at least four fraudulent tax returns to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking over $130 million in tax refunds. The scheme involved submitting false documents, including fictitious IRS Form 1099-As and W-4s, to substantiate the false claims. In one instance, a refund check was issued, but the IRS was able to recover the proceeds of the fraud by levying bank accounts.
The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe, charges Williams with one count of conspiring to submit false claims and three counts of submitting false claims. If convicted on all counts, Williams faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
The Department of Justice has been cracking down on fraud against the American people, with the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division) announced on April 7. The Fraud Division is focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud, including tax refund fraud. This case is part of the Department’s work to combat fraud and support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
The investigation and prosecution of Williams’ case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the American people from financial crimes. The IRS and DOJ are working together to identify and prosecute individuals who engage in tax refund fraud and other types of financial crimes.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Florida
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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