Tampa Tax Fraudster Sentenced

Tampa, Florida - United States District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich sentenced Maurice Larry today to eight years and five months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States Treasury through tax fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of the sentence, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $181,890 was entered. In addition, specific items purchased with fraud proceeds, and other substitute assets, were also ordered to be forfeited including two 2010 Chevrolet Camaros, a 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a motor scooter, laptop computers, and assorted jewelry. The sentencing hearing for Larry's co-defendant, Marterrence Hollaway, a/k/a/ Quat, is scheduled for October 16, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Kovechevich.

According to court documents, in September 2010, Holloway and Larry filed fraudulent tax returns from a hotel room at the Howard Johnson Hotel on 50th Street in Tampa. The room was booked in Larry's name. The investigation revealed that agents located four computers which were used to electronically file fraudulent tax returns in the names of deceased individuals. Ledgers and lists of stolen names, dates of birth and social security numbers were also found in the room. The lists of names also had a six-digit alpha code or password next to them to be used for electronic access. Some of the names were annotated with either "A" or "R" next to them to indicate that a tax return filed in that name was either accepted or rejected. Multiple reloadable debit cards were also found in the hotel room along with ATM receipts for cash withdrawals, and approximate $3,700 in cash. Larry and Holloway admitted to filing fraudulent tax returns on the computers while staying at the hotel. The investigation also revealed that in May 2012, Larry used a fraudulent debit card at a local bank ATM machine. The card was loaded with more than $9,900, that were traced to a fraudulently filed tax return.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Secret Service and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.

Maurice Larry is also scheduled for sentencing tomorrow, September 24, 2013, at 10:30 A.M. before United States District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. Larry will be sentenced for tax fraud and aggravated identity charges filed in a separate case, United States v. Rashia Wilson and Maurice Larry, Case No. 8:12-cr-552-T-30TGW. He pleaded guilty in that case in April 2013.