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Press Release

Tampa Woman Sentenced To More Than 5 Years In Prison For Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud

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

Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Remesa Buemer to 5 years and 5 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of the sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $159,265.60, a portion the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Buemer was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $462,039.60.

Buemer pleaded guilty on January 17, 2013.

According to court documents, from at least as early as January 21, 2011, through at least September 15, 2011, Buemer engaged in a scheme to file false tax returns in order to obtain fraudulent refunds. She generated fraudulent tax refunds using the identities of other individuals on tax returns without their permission.

“IRS Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority," stated James Robnett SAC, Tampa Field Office. "Filing fraudulent tax returns in the names of other individuals results in significant harm to those individuals whose identities were stolen. Today’s sentence reflects the harm inflicted upon the victims.”

Special Agent in Charge Quentin G. Aucoin stated, “The VA Office of Inspector General is dedicated to aggressively investigating individuals who misuse patient information, especially when used for personal and financial gain .”

“Through the task force, we are sending a strong message to criminals. If you commit tax fraud, you will go to prison,” said Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney.

Updated January 26, 2015