Upson Co. Woman and Sumter Co. Resident Indicted in Tax Fraud Scheme

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Blankenship of Upson County, Georgia, and Edna Yvonne Orr Goff of Sumter County, Georgia, have been hit with a multi-count Indictment for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud the United States government.

The duo is accused of conspiracy to defraud the federal government, theft of public money, and identity theft. According to the Indictment, they utilized the identities of unsuspecting individuals to file fraudulent federal income tax returns. Blankenship, who once worked for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), faces additional charges.

Both women are staring down a potential five-year sentence if convicted of the conspiracy charge. The theft of government property carries a ten-year maximum per charge, while each count of identity theft is punishable by up to two years imprisonment.

The indictment claims that Blankenship and Goff engaged in this fraudulent activity as part of a broader scheme. An IRS investigation, assisted by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, led to their arraignment. Assistant United States Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is handling the prosecution.

Despite the serious charges, both defendants have entered not guilty pleas. Their trial is set to be scheduled by the Court at a later date.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to for financial gain, and it underscores the importance of the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division in uncovering such schemes. For inquiries regarding this matter, contact Public Affairs Specialist Sue McKinney at (478) 621-2601.