Laplace Woman Indicted for Filing False Tax Returns with Stolen Identities

SANDRA RAVEN, age 51, a resident of Laplace, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury in a six Count Indictment for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, RAVEN owned and operated S & R Tax Service out of her home in Laplace, Louisiana. Beginning in 2012, RAVEN filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS using stolen identities. The tax returns claimed false wages, and RAVEN directed the tax refunds and tax preparation fees to her custody and control without the knowledge or consent of the individuals named on the tax returns.   

If convicted, the defendant faces 20 years of imprisonment as to Counts 1 through 3. As to Counts 4 through 6, the defendant faces a mandatory additional two-years of imprisonment to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed as to Counts 1 through 3. RAVEN also faces a $250,000 fine.   

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division. 

U.S. Attorney Duane Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Deputy Chief of the Fraud Unit.