Tampa Woman Sentenced In Stolen Identity Income Tax Relief Scheme

TAMPA, FL - U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. today sentenced Beverly McFadden (23, Tampa) to six years and nine months in federal prison for her role in a stolen identity income tax refund scheme. As part of the sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $351,431.44.

On September 24, 2013, McFadden pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to steal government funds, and to one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, McFadden, who maintained an account with Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, conspired with a teller (Louren Velez) to cash 47 fraudulently obtained income tax refund checks, totaling more than $350,000, through that financial institution. McFadden also recruited Larry Walker, another account holder, to assist in the scheme.

On April 23, 2013, Walker pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced to time served, six months’ home detention, and a 3-year term of supervised release. Velez was charged by information on June 28, 2013.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bob Mosakowski.