The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for ensuring that everyone pays their fair share of taxes and penalizing those who commit tax fraud. However, a recent incident is forcing them to investigate their own employees.
According to reports, five employees of the Internal Revenue Service participated in a scheme to defraud the government via the Paycheck Protection Program(PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan(EIDL) programs.
Residing in Mississippi and Tennessee, the fraudsters attempted to obtain over one million dollars in loan proceeds that they were not eligible for. The funds were then used to provide extravagant lifestyles including purchases of designer handbags, exotic vehicles, and multiple vacations over an unspecified amount of time.
In addition to the purchases, at least two of the scammers deposited funds into their personal investment accounts, receive private massages, and amassed a collection of expensive jewelry. Ranging in age from 27 years to 56 years of age, the employees held positions such as Risk Analyst among other high-ranking roles.
"This matter demonstrates the brazenness with which bad actors have taken advantage of federal programs meant to help those who suffered most from the COVID-19 pandemic", Kevin Chambers, Director for COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement, United States Justice Department
All in all, the defendants, Fatina Hewitt, Roderick DeMarco White II, Brian Saulsberry, Courtney Quinshe Westmoreland, and Tina Humes are facing charges on eight counts including wire fraud and money laundering.
Each count carries a maximum penalty of between 10 and 20 years depending on the severity and if convicted the group could be sentenced to a total of 140 years in federal prison.
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