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Press Release

Georgia Man Admits Cashing Fraudulently Obtained IRS Refund Checks

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH - A resident of the state of Georgia pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Edward Claude Hammitt, 67, of Summerville, Ga., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, Hammitt agreed to accept and negotiate for cash fraudulently obtained IRS refund checks for tax years 2010 and 2011 from conspirators, which were obtained from a larger stolen identity refund fraud scheme.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2014, at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hammitt.

Updated July 14, 2015