Identity thieves often target unsuspecting individuals, but in this case, one man used stolen identities to file false tax returns, leaving a trail of financial devastation.
Wilmer Alexander Garcia Meza, a resident of Waukegan, Illinois, was sentenced to 29 months in prison for using stolen identities to file false tax returns.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Garcia used others’ personal identifying information to fraudulently obtain Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) from the IRS. An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security number.
From 2013 through 2017, Garcia used the ITINs to file tax returns in the name of the stolen identities, claiming thousands of dollars in fraudulent refunds. Garcia then used identification documents in those same names to cash the refund checks issued by the IRS.
As a result of Garcia’s actions, the IRS suffered a significant financial loss of approximately $221,923. This is not a minor offense, and Garcia’s sentence reflects the severity of his crimes.
U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo ordered Garcia to serve three years of supervised release in addition to the 29-month prison sentence. Garcia was also required to pay approximately $221,923 in restitution to the United States.
The investigation into this case was led by the IRS-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Tax Division. Trial Attorneys Thomas Flynn and Jacob Green of the Tax Division prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance provided by former Trial Attorneys Michael Landman and Eric Schmale of the Tax Division.
Garcia’s sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal identifying information and the severe consequences of using it for nefarious purposes.
**Mandatory Facts:**
Defendant: Wilmer Alexander Garcia Meza
Criminal Charges: Identity Theft and Mail Fraud
City and State: Waukegan, Illinois
Exact Date: Not specified
Sentence: 29 months in prison, 3 years supervised release, $221,923 restitution
Dollar Amounts: $221,923
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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