Defendant Sentenced On Federal Fraud Charges

United States Attorney Kenyen Brown announces that James Lee Collins, Jr. was sentenced on June 25th in Federal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to pass and utter United States treasury checks with falsely made and forged endorsements and signatures.  The scheme primarily involved stolen or fraudulent federal tax refund checks.  Collins received a sentence of 46 months imprisonment, with 3 years of supervised release to follow.  Collins was also ordered to pay over $800,000 in restitution.

The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the South Alabama Financial Crimes Task Force.

“The prison time received by Mr. Collins should serve as a strong warning that tough punishment awaits those who embark on a similar criminal path,” stated Veronica F. Hyman-Pillot, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge.  “IRS Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority and we will vigorously pursue those who undermine the integrity of the U.S. tax system.”

Assistant United States Attorney Daryl Atchison handled the prosecution of the case on behalf of the United States.