A tax preparer from Athens, Georgia, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her involvement in filing over $3.5 million in fraudulent tax returns. Jessica Crawford, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self, III on May 8 and will also serve five years of supervised release following her prison term. Crawford had previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aiding and assisting in preparing and presenting false income tax returns.
Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker commented on the case, stating that "federal law enforcement uncovered a large-scale tax return scheme during the pandemic that was costing taxpayers while benefiting fraudsters." She emphasized the commitment of federal prosecutors to uphold the law and pursue justice.
Lisa Fontanette, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the Atlanta Field Office, highlighted Crawford's misuse of her position as a tax preparer to defraud the government through a CARES Act program intended for those unemployed due to COVID-19. Fontanette stated that Crawford's sentencing should serve as a warning to other unscrupulous tax preparers about ongoing investigations by IRS Criminal Investigation special agents.
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, added that "Jessica Crawford lied and took advantage of funds designed to help those who were truly in need during the pandemic." He assured that the FBI would continue to hold accountable anyone who defrauds taxpayers.
Court documents revealed that FBI agents discovered text messages between individuals involved in a multi-state unemployment benefit scheme and Crawford during their investigation into COVID-19-related fraud. Crawford filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits on behalf of individuals who provided false information or created fake businesses, receiving a percentage of the gains.
An undercover operation conducted by IRS-CI agents at Crawford’s business further exposed her fraudulent activities. During this operation, an undercover agent met with Crawford for tax preparation services, where she encouraged fabricating expenses for deductions without providing actual income or expense amounts.
The IRS reviewed 1,261 tax returns filed by Crawford during 2020 and 2021 and found significant losses exceeding $3 million due to falsely claimed credits related to sick leave, family leave, dependent care credits, and others.
The investigation was carried out by both the FBI and IRS-CI. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Leah E. McEwen for the Government.
