x
Breaking News
More () »

Iowa woman admits to identity theft to steal $6,000 tax refund

A 35-year-old Iowa woman was convicted after she used another person’s identity to file a phony tax return and then cash the $6,000 refund check issued by...

A 35-year-old Iowa woman was convicted after she used another person’s identity to file a phony tax return and then cash the $6,000 refund check issued by the IRS.

Gwendolyn Murray, of Cedar Rapids, was initially charged March 3, 2015, with 12 counts of filing false claims for tax refunds, seven counts of theft of government property and two counts of aggravated identity theft.  She was accused of preparing fraudulent tax returns between 2008 and 2013, from which she received seven refund checks, according to court documents.

Murray pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, June 8, 2015, in to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft.  She admitted to using another person’s name, social security number and signature on a fraudulent tax return filed in January 2012.

“Murray further admitted she then stole from the government by cashing the refund check, worth more than $6,000, issued in march 2012 as a result of the fraudulent tax return,” said a statement from the Department of Justice.

Murray faced a minimum sentence of two years, and maximum of 12 years, in prison plus a $500,000 fine.  A sentencing date was not yet set.

Murray remained free to await sentencing.

 

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out