Georgia Man Pleads Guilty In Scheme To File False Tax Returns Using Stolen Identities

PITTSBURGH - A resident of the State of Georgia pleaded guilty on Tuesday in federal court to a charge of wire fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Rogers Ladell Price, Jr., 39, formerly of Summerville, Ga., and currently incarcerated, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, Price and others conspired to steal identities of other persons which were used to file false electronic federal tax returns between 2010 and 2012.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for January 30, 2015 at 9 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Price.