Brunswick, GA - Aquilla Terrell Randolph, 39, of Jesup, Georgia, was sentenced last week to 68 months in prison by United States Court Chief Judge Lisa Godbey Wood after pleading guilty to his role in an identity theft and tax return scam. Last month, Randolph’s co-conspirator, Edward C. Jennings, 37, also of Jesup, Georgia, was sentenced to 9 months in prison.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings, Randolph used the stolen identities of others to file fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. Randolph stole the identities of at least 26 individuals to file at least 35 fraudulent tax returns, which resulted in fraudulent refund payments totaling over $280,000. Jennings assisted Randolph by allowing refund checks to be mailed to his residence and later cashing at least one fraudulently obtained refund check.
United States Attorney Edward Tarver stated, “Prosecuting identity thieves who profit by defrauding innocent citizens and the IRS remains a high priority in the Southern District of Georgia. As these defendants have learned, we will work closely with the IRS to investigate tax refund scams in order to hold the perpetrators accountable."
“Identity thieves continue to believe they can rob from the American taxpayer," said Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot. “These sentences show IRS-CI’s commitment to pursue the individuals whose objective is to defraud the tax system."
This case was investigated by Special Agents with IRS-CI. Assistant United States Attorney Scarlett S. Nokes and former Assistant United States Attorney T. Shane Mayes prosecuted 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
