TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) \u2014 Two southwest Georgia men have pleaded guilty to federal charges after admitting they attempted to steal more than $500,000 through fraudulent New York film and television production tax credits in 2023.<\/p>\n
Ryan Rugg, 28, and Joshua Jordan, 37, both of Tifton, used online tax software to file 22 fraudulent New York state returns on behalf of 18 Georgia residents, prosecutors said. The returns claimed film and TV production credits for individuals who never worked in New York or in the entertainment industry.<\/p>\n
Identity theft charge added for Jordan<\/p>\n
Investigators said Jordan also used a stolen identity to obtain a nearly $50,000 refund and called tax officials while impersonating that person.<\/p>\n
Rugg pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to 30 years in federal prison. Jordan pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faces up to 30 years, plus a mandatory additional two years on the identity theft charge.<\/p>\n
Jordan\u2019s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3 at 3:00 p.m. in Albany.<\/p>\n
Rugg\u2019s sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 3:00 p.m. in Albany.<\/p>\n
Part of a nationwide crackdown<\/p>\n
Federal officials said the case is part of a nationwide crackdown on fraud targeting taxpayer-funded programs.<\/p>\n
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