United States Attorney Richard H. Stephens announced today that Euless, Texas resident, Ross Benami-Vera, age 38, was sentenced today by the Honorable John H. McBryde to 24 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $7,490.50 in restitution following his conviction in January by a federal jury on all twelve counts of an indictment that charged him with filing multiple false federal income tax returns and making fraudulent claims against the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 287.

Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Criminal Investigation began an investigation of Benami-Vera after he filed 10 income tax returns in 1996 and two income tax returns in 1997 at various IRS service centers throughout the country in an attempt to claim income tax refunds totaling more than $75,000. All but one of the refunds were rejected and not paid by the IRS.

Special Agent in Charge of IRS - Criminal Investigation, Mike Lacenski stated, "Once again the IRS Fraud Detection Center has proven effective in catching people who attempt to file multiple returns. The IRS continues to be vigilant in prosecuting individuals who attempt to defraud the government."

United States Attorney Stephens praised the investigative work of the IRS - Criminal Investigation, Fort Worth Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Michael Worley.

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