United States Attorney Leura G. Canary Middle District of Alabama

MILLBROOK TAX PREPARER INDICTED FOR TAX FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA – Keshia Thomas Brayboy, age 34, of Millbrook, Alabama, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in a 30-count indictment on charges of preparing and filing false tax returns and unlawfully using social security numbers without permission, United States Attorney Leura G. Canary announced today.

The indictment includes 20 counts alleging violations of Title 18, United States Code, Section 287, by filing false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims against the United States with an agency of the United States. Specifically, Brayboy is accused of filing 20 false, fictitious, or fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. The 20 counts alleged in the indictment include over $110,000.00 in false returns filed in 2008 and 2007 for tax years 2007 and 2006.

Brayboy is also charged with 10 counts of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(7), by unlawfully using the social security numbers of taxpayers without their permission to file false income tax returns in their names.

The maximum punishment for violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 287 is 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine. The maximum punishment for violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(7), is 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine, because Brayboy is charged with obtaining more than $1,000.00 within a year from the use of the social security numbers. If convicted, Brayboy may also be ordered to pay restitution for the amount of loss the false claims caused the United States.

Brayboy had her initial appearance in federal court before a United States Magistrate Judge on April 21, 2008, and was informed of the charges against her. She was released on a $25,000 unsecured bond. Brayboy will be arraigned on April 30, 2008. At the arraignment hearing, Brayboy will enter a plea and a trial date will be set, if necessary.

According to United States Attorney Leura G. Canary, “Tax fraud and identity theft are serious crimes that this office is committed to prosecuting fully. When someone files fraudulent income tax returns, all taxpayers are victims and bear the costs of those who seek to cheat the system. Using other persons’ social security numbers to file false returns in their names, without their permission, is also a serious offense which can cost victims time, money, and peace of mind.”

Rebecca A. Sparkman, Special Agent In Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, said, "As the 2008 filing season has just drawn to a close, it is important to recognize that most Americans do their duty and pay their fair share of taxes, and most tax preparers are honest professionals who follow our tax laws. Unfortunately, there are individuals who intentionally choose to defraud the U.S. Treasury for their personal profit and, in effect, every honest taxpaying citizen. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to rooting out the fraud and stopping the flow of taxpayer money into the hands of criminals."

This case was investigated by agents with the Birmingham office of the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Shepherd.