HOUSTON – In a stunning turn of events, Vanessa Ben, a local resident, faces federal charges after being accused of filing false tax returns. The U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Acting Special Agent in Charge Sarah Kull of IRS – Criminal Investigation (CI) announced the arrest.
A federal grand jury indicted Ben on April 25, 2019, for her alleged activities between 2012 and 2015. She was apprehended today and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan shortly.
The indictment claims that Ben willfully submitted U.S. Individual Income Tax returns she knew were fraudulent. It is alleged that she claimed benefits on her returns to which she was not entitled, a brazen move in the eyes of the law.
Should she be found guilty, Ben could face up to three years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $100,000, a severe penalty for what amounts to a financial deception.
The investigation into this matter was carried out by IRS-CI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez is tasked with prosecuting the case against Ben.
It’s important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute evidence of guilt. Ben maintains her innocence until proven otherwise through due process of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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