CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A federal jury convicted Debra Skipper, 60, of Euclid, Ohio, of mail and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that Skipper conspired with her son, Tyree Skipper, to file false tax returns in multiple states using collected names, birth dates and social security numbers of numerous individuals, including federal inmates. The crimes occurred in Gilmer County and elsewhere between December 2012 and May 2013. Tyree Skipper previously pled guilty to two counts of “Wire Fraud" in February 2017.
Following a two-day trial, a jury found Debra Skipper guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud" and two counts of “Wire Fraud." She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
