Man Pleads Guilty In $20M Tax Fraud Scheme
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Maryland man has pleaded guilty to being a key organizer of an identity theft and tax fraud scheme involving fraudulent tax returns of more than $20 million.
Prosecutors say Kevin Brown, 42, of Capitol Heights pleaded guilty on Friday. Prosecutors say the scheme began in 2006 and involved more than 100 people, many of whom were receiving public assistance, as well as bank tellers and postal carriers.
Prosecutors say the group filed at least 7,000 fraudulent tax returns seeking more than $20 million.
Brown, the owner of a southeast Washington barbershop, allegedly prepared fraudulent returns and handled refund money. Prosecutors say some victims turned over identifying information after being told they were entitled to "Obama Stimulus Money."
Under federal sentencing guidelines Brown faces up to 14 years in prison.
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