Delaware Woman Sentenced To 63 Months For Role In Tax Fraud Conspiracy

WILMINGTON, Del. - Charles M. Oberly, III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that Beverly Newton, age 52, of Middletown, Delaware, was sentenced yesterday by the Honorable Leonard P. Stark, United States District Judge for the District of Delaware, to 63 months imprisonment and full restitution.  The defendant pleaded guilty to violations of 18 USC § 286 (False Claims Conspiracy), 18 USC § 1341 (Mail Fraud), and 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B) & 18 U.S.C. § 2 (Aiding and Abetting Social Security Fraud), in September 2013.

The defendant participated in a tax fraud conspiracy involving the filing of more than 180 false individual federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, using stolen identities.  The returns sought refunds of more than $1.8 million.  The defendant and her co-conspirators received more than $800,000 on account of the fraudulent returns.  The defendant’s role in the conspiracy involved providing names and social security numbers to another co-conspirator, who used the information to file the fraudulent returns.  The defendant received more than $300,000 for her part in the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Oberly gave the following comments:  “This case should send a clear signal that individuals who conspire with others to file false claims against the United States Treasury will face significant penalties.  My office is committed to working with the Internal Revenue Service to prosecute these cases, and I will seek incarceration wherever possible and appropriate.”

“The sentencing of Beverly Newton again emphasizes that IRS Criminal Investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who use fraudulent methods in an attempt to corrupt our nation's tax system.” said Akeia Conner, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge.  “Ms. Newton is being held accountable for her involvement in this elaborate criminal action.” 

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Paxton.