FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
January 9, 2012	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #: 1:09-cr-076 and 077-AWI

            FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Juanita Munoz, 47, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today in two separate cases to making false claims against the United States and identity theft.

            These cases are the product of an extensive investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Cullers is prosecuting the cases.

            According to court documents in the first case, Munoz prepared and caused to be prepared false tax returns that contained false information such as the taxpayer’s name, social security number, and employment. She had the tax refunds sent to bank accounts that were under her control. The 14 separate counts of making false claims to the United States are the separate individual Form 1040 income tax returns submitted by Munoz.

            As part of her plea agreement, Munoz agreed to make restitution to the United States in the amount of $361,093.

            According to the plea agreement in the second case, Munoz stole the identity of another person and obtained goods.  She has agreed to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $54,231.

            Munoz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 18, 2012 by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 77 years in prison and a fine in excess of $1 million. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory sentencing factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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