Many taxpayers believe that the IRS is too understaffed and underfunded to seriously pursue those who commit tax crimes. Although the Service has seen times with larger budgets, government agencies, such as the IRS, rely on other government entities to provide leads on potential criminal activity. In this case, the U.S. postal service was helpful in delivering a lead to the IRS that resulted in a prosecution, conviction, and lengthy prison sentence.
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According to a Department of Justice press release, Ronald Reeves, of Delhi, Louisiana, was sentenced to serve 41 months in a federal prison for a mail theft scheme that resulted in multiple federal agencies, including the IRS, working together. According to court documents, Reeves admitted to conspiring with others to steal mail from the rightful recipients with the intent to obtain identifying information, checks, and credit cards from the theft victims.
Group Stole IRS Refund Checks, Convicted and Sentenced
Between 2014 and 2017, Reeves and his associates opened and maintained multiple bank accounts that were used to deposit checks that were stolen as a part of their mail theft operation. Many of the checks were refund checks made out to taxpayers from U.S. Treasury. Federal refunds that were stolen as a part of the illegal activity totaled more than $247,888. The scheme also resulted in nearly 300 credit and prepaid cards being stolen. The conspiracy attempted to steal more than $400,000 in total over its life.
In addition to serving his time in federal prison, Reeves was sentenced to three years of supervised release to begin as soon as his physical incarceration ends. Finally, Reeves was ordered to pay back more than $86,000 in restitution.
This story is a reminder that just because the IRS may not be running at its full capability, the federal government and its agencies work together to secure convictions for tax-related crimes. The IRS and its Criminal Investigations unit frequently works with the FBI and other criminal divisions of the Department of Justice. If you are involved in any criminal activity, you may find yourself under the microscope of the IRS, in addition to the appropriate federal law enforcement authority.
The Importance of a Criminal Tax Defense Attorney
If you have failed to file tax returns, are behind on your tax payments, or believe that your filed tax returns may be inaccurate, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney. Many taxpayers believe that they will never get caught or that if the IRS does initiate an examination or an investigation, that they can go at it alone and outsmart the Service and its professional investigators. An experienced tax defense lawyer will provide not only the technical tax advice required to successfully defend against an audit or investigation, but will also provide valuable insights surrounding IRS or state taxing authority procedure.
Contact an Experienced Tax Attorney Today
The tax and accounting professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing have extensive experience representing taxpayers from all walks of life. Whether you are a business owner facing a sales and use tax audit or you have received notice that your individual return is being examined, our team of zealous advocates are standing by to help you develop a sound legal strategy that will keep your personal and financial interests at the forefront of importance. Do not lose sleep over the possibility of tax evasion or other tax-related charges from the IRS or state taxing authorities. Contact the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing today for a reduced-rate consultation.
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