Two South Florida Men Charged with Tax Fraud

Two South Florida men are facing 10 to 12 years in federal prison after being accused of using stolen social security information in a tax refund scheme, according to U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer.

Jean LaFrance, 28, of North Miami, and Carlos Orozco, 18, of Pembroke Pines, were each charged with conspiracy to submit false income tax claims. LaFrance also was charged with theft of public money and aggravated identity theft, prosecutors said.

Between April and October, Orozco was employed as a volunteer at the Social Security Administration Office, in Pembroke Pines. Orozco had access to sensitive documents containing personal identification that included thousands of names, dates of birth, social security numbers, and other sensitive personal information. He gave LaFrance the personal information in exchange for cash payments, according to court documents.

LaFrance used the stolen information to file false federal income tax returns in the names of the identity theft victims using an online Turbo Tax program and claimed income tax refunds. LaFrance had the IRS direct deposit the refunds onto Turbo Tax Green Dot debit cards, then he would convert the funds to cash, prosecutors said.

Sources: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/crime/fl-tax-refund-fraud-2012021...
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/13/2640047/two-south-florida-men-char...