A Fresno man will spend years behind bars for filing $1.5 million in false tax returns.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced that Marice Curry, 35, was sentenced to three years in prison for filing false federal income tax returns.
Driving the news: Curry filed more than 50 fraudulent tax returns on behalf of various businesses in 2023.
He sought more than $1.5 million in improper refunds by falsely claiming refundable fuel tax credits that were intended to reimburse businesses for excise taxes paid on fuel used for legitimate off-highway purposes.
What they’re saying: “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Curry’s scheme and the impact it had on the federal tax system,” Grant said. “Fraudulent refund claims drain taxpayer dollars and undermine the integrity of programs designed to support legitimate businesses. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who attempt to exploit these programs.”
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Special Agent in Charge Krystofor Proev said the agency aggressively pursues those who abuse the tax administration process.
“We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure individuals engaged in such criminal activity are held accountable to the American people,” Proev said.
IRS Criminal Investigation (IRC-CI) San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe added, “The scope of Marice Curry’s fraud, involving more than fifty false tax returns and over 1.5 million dollars in improper refund claims, represents a serious breach of trust in our tax system as reflected by today’s sentencing. IRS-CI does not hesitate to pursue individuals who attempt to misuse programs meant for legitimate taxpayers, especially when a scheme is complex or designed to mislead. Our duty is clear: protect honest taxpayers and pursue justice.”