Vivian Marie Williams, Tax Evasion and Identity Theft, California 2016

A Stockton woman has pleaded guilty to a scheme that saw her submit false tax returns for both legitimate clients and victims of identity theft, the Grimy Times can reveal.

According to court documents, Vivian Marie Williams, 51, operated a tax preparation business out of her home in Stockton under the name Williams Financial Service. Between January 2010 and March 2011, Williams submitted tax returns for legitimate clients that reported inflated business and wage income, allowing them to claim higher tax refunds through the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

Meanwhile, Williams also submitted tax returns for victims of identity theft without their knowledge, allowing her to collect tax refunds on their behalf. During the scheme, Williams admitted to submitting at least $61,531 in false claims to the IRS.

Co-defendant Darrell Lemont Morris, 45, of Stockton, allegedly conspired with Williams and allowed her to use his bank accounts for the deposit of tax refunds of victims of identity theft, before sharing in the proceeds with Williams. The case against Morris is still pending.

Williams faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy, as well as 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for identity theft. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Dale A. Drozd on October 17, 2016, in Fresno, California.

The case is the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. McKeon is prosecuting the case.

Williams is set to face the consequences of her actions, and the Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

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