Date: 08-10-2018

Case Style:

Case Number: 1:17-cr-00143-RWS-JKL

Judge: V. Natasha Perdew Silas

Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Fulton County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: Lynsey Morris Barron, Melanie A. Smith Melanie A. Smith,
Alexander R. Effendi

Defendant's Attorney: V. Natasha Perdew Silas - FPD

Description: Atlnta, GA - IRS Employee Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft

A Georgia resident pleaded guilty on August 9, 2018 to one count of aggravated identity theft for her role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme.

According to documents and information presented in court, Stephanie Parker worked for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a Contact Representative in Atlanta, Georgia. Between September 2012 and March 2013, taxpayers called into the IRS for assistance and Parker handled the taxpayers’ inquiries. During the calls, Parker obtained the taxpayers’ Social Security numbers and addresses. On at least five occasions, Parker used the taxpayers’ personal information to electronically file fraudulent tax returns in their names without their authorization. Parker directed the fraudulent tax refunds to bank accounts controlled by her friends. Parker, in turn, had the money withdrawn from at least one of those accounts and deposited a portion of the money into her own bank account and used it for personal expenses.

Parker faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Pak commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Michael Boteler, Alexander Effendi, and Melanie Smith of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.

Charges:

18:1343 and 2 FRAUD BY WIRE, RADIO, OR TELEVISION
(1-5)
18:1028A(a)(1), (c)(5) and 2 FRAUD WITH IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
(6-8)
18:1028A(a)(1), (c)(5) and 2 FRAUD WITH IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
(9)
18:1028A(a)(1), (c)(5) and 2 FRAUD WITH IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
(10)

Outcome: Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Richard W. Story: Change of Plea Hearing with a PLEA of GUILTY by Stephanie Parker (1) Guilty Count 9. Guilty Plea and Plea Agreement was filed and accepted by the Court. Defendant was adjudged guilty. Sentencing will be scheduled following the completion of a Presentence Report by the U. S. Probation Office. Defendant was allowed to remain on bond. (Attachments: # 1 Guilty Plea and Plea Agreement) (Court Reporter Amanda Lohnaas) (dgr) (Entered: 08/09/2018)Lynsey Morris Barron

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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