A Poplar Grove, Illinois resident was indicted in federal court in Rockford on charges of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and access device fraud, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Fardon of the Northern District of Illinois.
According to the indictment, SHAMEKA CARR filed fraudulent tax returns using stolen identities. Carr directed the anticipated tax refunds to prepaid debit cards and to federal income tax refund checks. She caused those items to be mailed to addresses that she had access to in Rockford, Ill. and surrounding areas. Carr used the cards and checks to enrich herself.
Each count of mail fraud carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Access device fraud carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Each count of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. In addition, each count carries potential fines and restitution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo commended special agents of the United States Postal Service and IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Michael C. Boteler and John T. Mulcahy of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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