Tehachapi Woman Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft

FRESNO, Calif. — Hazel Turner, 54, of Tehachapi, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced.

According to court documents, Turner unlawfully possessed names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information of real people. Turner used this information to prepare and submit fraudulent federal income tax returns. Turner attempted to defraud the federal government out of more than $133,000.  Turner’s scheme, however, was discovered and no funds were paid.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service and the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanie L. Alsworth prosecuted the case.