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Press Release

Naples Man Pleads Guilty To False Claims Against The Government, Possession Of 15 Or More Unauthorized Access Devices, And Theft Of Government Money

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Fort Myers, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Frederick R. Green pleaded guilty today to one count of false claims against the government, one count of possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and one count of theft of government money. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the false claims charge. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each of the other charges.

According to the plea agreement, on or about January 20, 2012, Green knowingly filed a false federal income tax return using the name of E.P. He made a fraudulent claim to the IRS for an income tax refund in the amount of $9,913. The IRS confirmed that on January 20, 2012, EP’s return was prepared, received and processed by the IRS and a refund in the amount of $9,913 was applied to a Bancorp debit card.
The Internal Revenue Service conducted additional research and determined that more than 70 returns were filed from the same IP address used by Green on January 20, 2012.

A search warrant was executed at Green’s residence on July 12, 2012. During the execution of the warrant, Green was found to be in possession of 25 debit cards in other peoples’ names. Agents also recovered sheets of personal identifying information and more than $10,000 in cash.

During an interview with law enforcement, Green stated that he started filing returns for refunds after someone in Tampa showed him the potential money involved. Green said that he continued to file returns into 2012.

From at least January 20, 2012 through July 12, 2002, Green knowingly and willfully stole and converted to his own use money that belonged to the United States. The amount of the returns filed from the Green’s totaled more than is $648,000. From the fraudulent claims for income tax refunds, Green received payment for $311,746.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Collier County Sheriff's Office as part of the United States Secret Service Southwest Florida Financial Crimes Strike Force, and the Internal Revenue Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

Updated January 26, 2015