Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich sentenced Rhonda Yvette Brooks to three years and six months in federal prison for tax fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the court also ordered a forfeiture money judgment and restitution order in the amount of $23,096 for funds traceable to proceeds of the offense. Brooks pleaded guilty on Feb. 20, 2013.
According to court documents, Brooks submitted fraudulent tax returns electronically through Turbo Tax from her residence. She also submitted tax returns for several fictitious identities provided by the IRS in an undercover operation. Overall, Brooks submitted fraudulent tax returns totaling more than $70,000.
This case was investigated by members of the Tampa Bay Alliance, including IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
