Hayward Woman Sentenced To 24 Months In Prison For Filing False Claims

OAKLAND, Calif. - Claudia Robinson was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for her role in a false tax refund scheme, United States Attorney Melinda Haag and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge José M. Martinez announced.

Robinson pleaded guilty on February 19, 2013. According to her plea agreement, between January 26, 2008, and February 12, 2008, Robinson filed false claims for tax returns with the IRS. Robinson admitted that the returns were all false because earning and income that she listed were fabricated. In addition, Robinson acknowledged listing her relative's address on the returns, knowing that the person listed on the tax return did not live there. Robinson also admitted that after a search warrant was executed at her home, she approached a person whose identity she used on a false tax return and asked the person to lie to IRS Agents in exchange for a television. Robinson has remained in custody since December 2011.

At sentencing, Robinson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,020. On September 15, 2011, Robinson, of Hayward, California, was charged in a 25-count indictment with wire fraud, false claims, identity theft and obstructing the IRS. She pleaded guilty to eight counts of filing false claims with the IRS.

Thomas Newman in the Tax Division for the U.S. Attorney's Office is the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting this case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS, Criminal Investigation.