Jessica Crawford Faces Decades in Prison for Orchestrating Pandemic Relief and Tax Scheme

A Georgia tax preparer, Jessica Crawford, has admitted to a multi-million-dollar tax fraud scheme involving fabricated businesses and manipulated COVID-era credits, potentially facing a lengthy prison sentence.  

Key Focus: Tax Fraud and Pandemic Relief Exploitation

• Guilty Plea: Crawford admitted to wire fraud and aiding in false tax returns.  
• Fraud Amount: Over $3 million in fraudulent tax returns.  
• Target: Pandemic relief funds and client tax returns.

Pandemic Relief Funds Targeted

Crawford’s scheme was linked to fraudulent unemployment claims made during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Scheme Origins:

• PUA Investigation: Text messages connected Crawford to fraudulent Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims.
• Fake Businesses: Individuals created fake businesses to receive relief funds.
• Crawford’s Role: Assisted in filing fraudulent PUA claims for a cut of the proceeds.  
• Extension to Tax Returns: Similar tactics used for client tax returns.

Undercover Operation Exposes Fraud

An undercover IRS operation revealed Crawford’s methods of fabricating deductions.  

Sting Operation Details:

• IRS Agent: Posed as a taxpayer seeking tax help.
• Fabricated Business: Crawford created a fake landscaping business based on minimal information.  
• False Loss: Claimed a $19,373 loss without records.
• Inflated Refund: Resulted in a falsely inflated refund of $12,359 through improper credits and deductions.

IRS Audit Reveals Wider Pattern

A comprehensive analysis of Crawford’s returns showed widespread fraudulent activity.

Extent of the Fraud:

• Statistical Analysis: Reviewed 1,261 returns from 2020 and 2021.
• Fabricated Information: Majority of returns contained false data, credits, or losses.
• Loss to Treasury: Over $3 million attributed to Crawford’s actions.
• Exploitation of Form 7202: Fraudulent claims for Families First Coronavirus Response Act credits.

Officials Urge Caution When Choosing Preparers

Authorities emphasize the importance of selecting tax preparers carefully.

Official Statements:

• IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman: Condemned Crawford’s greed and stressed taxpayer responsibility.
• FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Sean Burke: Highlighted the exploitation of pandemic relief funds and vowed accountability.

Sentencing to Follow

Crawford awaits sentencing and faces significant penalties.

Potential Penalties:

• Maximum Prison Sentence: 30 years in federal prison.
• Supervised Release: 5 years following imprisonment.
• Maximum Fine: $1 million.
• No Parole: Federal sentencing guidelines do not allow parole.
• Prosecution Team: Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers and Criminal Chief Leah E. McEwen.  
• Ongoing Investigation: Part of a larger effort to uncover pandemic-related fraud.

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