Identity theft seems harmless when you aren’t the one involved. But there is absolutely nothing harmless when it comes to running afoul of federal law.
Recently in Clermont, FL, a woman was arrested on charges that she filed $4 million in fraudulent income-tax returns. Prosecutors are claiming that the woman used information provided by two Orange County health-department employees.
From January 2010 to June 2013, the government states that she opened bank accounts in the name of false tax-preparation and was able to get other people to withdraw her fraudulently obtained tax return money. The FL Department of Health contacted around 2,000 patients to report to them that their personal information may have been compromised. The alleged thief used the social security numbers, dates of birth and full names of the patients at the health department to file the returns and collect around $4.1 million.
This federal indictment charges her with conspiracy, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, as well as theft of government property.
If this sounds scary to you, then you have every right to be. State + Federal = you better have a good attorney. All hope isn’t lost, as long as you provide your lawyer with every available detail in order to clear your name.
Our law firm deals with everything from shoplifting to identity theft. It is important that your attorney has a wide range of experience when it comes to defending theft-related charges. We will uncover the truth and make sure you have the best defense imaginable.
