Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Stolen Identity Refund Fraud

Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Marterrance Q. Holloway (33, Tampa) pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft and access device fraud charges, in addition to charges that he conspired with others to defraud the United States Treasury. Holloway faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge, ten years on the fraud charge, and a consecutive two-year prison sentence on the aggravated identity theft charge. As part of the plea, Holloway also agreed to forfeit two 2010 Chevrolet Camaros, a 2011 Dodge Charger, a 2005 Dodge Magnum, a motor scooter, an Apple iPad, cash and assorted jewelry -- all of which were purchased with the proceeds of his fraud. The net proceeds of the forfeited items will be credited towards any future forfeiture money judgment. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

On April 17, 2013, Holloway's co-defendant, Maurice Larry, pleaded guilty to similar charges. Larry is scheduled for sentencing on September 23, 2013, at 10:30 A.M. before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich.

According to Holloway's plea agreement, he and Larry filed fraudulent tax returns from the Howard Johnson Hotel on 50th Street in Tampa. A room at the hotel was purchased in Larry's name. In the hotel room were four computers that were used to electronically file fraudulent tax returns in the names of deceased individuals. Also located in the room were pages from an internet website, along with ledgers and lists of stolen names, dates of birth and social security numbers. Some of the names included specific codes to be used for electronic filing purposes or notes about whether a tax return had been either accepted or rejected. Multiple "Turbo Tax" reloadable debit cards were found in the hotel room, along with ATM receipts for cash withdrawals, and approximately $3,700 in cash. Both Holloway and Larry admitted to filing fraudulent tax returns while staying at the hotel.

Approximately one year later, Holloway used a fraudulent debit card at a local bank ATM machine. The debit card was loaded with the proceeds of a fraudulently filed tax return in the amount of over $9,800.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.