Press Release
Jacksonville tax return consultant arrested for involvement in stolen identity refund fraud scheme
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida
Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of a fourteen count indictment charging Deangelo Parker with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each of the seven counts of wire fraud and two years’ maximum imprisonment for each aggravated identity theft offense. Parker made his initial appearance in federal court, in Jacksonville, on Thursday, November 7, 2013 before U.S. Magistrate James R. Klindt. He was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.
According to the indictment, Parker stole personal identifying information, including the names and social security numbers of multiple individuals who sought the tax consulting services of his company (Certified Tax Consultants). From January 2012 through February 2012, Parker used this information to electronically file numerous fraudulent tax returns. The tax refunds were directly deposited into Certified Tax Consultants’ bank account.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Malisa Chokshi.
Updated January 26, 2015
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