Darby Woman Charged With Conspiracy, Identify Theft Following Tax Scam Dating Back To 2009
By Steve Tawa
DARBY, Pa. (CBS) - A Darby woman is charged with selling the identities of children in a tax scam that stretched back to 2009. That's the finding of a federal grand jury, in what's called a 'superseding indictment.'
The same grand jury that indicted 46-year-old Shirl Robinson in March has tacked on more charges in an alleged scheme to obtain the names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers of children that were sold for profit.
Assistant US Attorney Karen Klotz says the grand jury alleges Robinson sold the information to a West Philadelphia tax preparer, who then generated individual refunds up to $7,800.
'The indictment alleges that Ms. Robinson received in return about $650 for each child's identity that was successfully used to file a false tax return," Klotz said.
"The clients were charged up to $800 for each false dependent that was used on their return."
The charges against the defendant include conspiracy, identity theft and aiding and abetting.
Prosecutors can't comment on the status of the tax preparer or clients, because the investigation is ongoing.
If convicted, Robinson faces a maximum possible sentence of 140 years in prison and a $3 million fine.
