SAVANNAH, GA -- GREGORY ALLEN, 31, and LEISHA ALLEN, 33, brother and sister from Jesup, Georgia, were arraigned last week on a federal indictment for their alleged roles in a stolen identity and tax fraud scheme operating in Wayne County, Georgia. The federal indictment alleges that Leisha and Gregory Allen filed fraudulent tax returns in order to illegally obtain tax refund checks for their personal benefit. The indictment further alleges that the Allens filed hundreds of fraudulent tax returns using the stolen names and social security numbers of others, including deceased individuals, in order to claim over a million dollars in fraudulent tax refunds.
United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, “The burgeoning crime of stealing the identities of innocent people for the purpose of filing false tax returns places all Americans at risk. The damage to unsuspecting victims is severe and long-lasting. Identity thieves beware: this is a real crime, against real people, with real consequences. Know that you will be investigated, prosecuted, and sent to federal prison for your crimes. This case is one of many examples of the continuing efforts of federal law enforcement and the United States Attorney’s Office to combat identity-theft schemes designed to steal tax dollars."
“This is a case of greed, deceit, manipulation and theft directed at the United States Department of Treasury and the American taxpayer," stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to aggressively pursue identity theft in order to protect our nation’s tax system and millions of Americans who could fall prey to this crime."
Mr. Tarver emphasized that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation of this case was led by the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Tania D. Groover is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
