HOUSTON \u2013 Five Houston-area residents are facing federal charges after investigators say they tried to cash in on a counterfeit U.S. Treasury tax refund check worth more than $1 million.<\/p>\n
A 33-count indictment was unsealed charging Torik M. Blade, 39, of Missouri City; Kendra L. Folkes, 37, of Katy; Rickelle D. Taylor, 38, of Spring; Raven N. Morris, 34, of Houston; and Stephen G. James, 42, of Houston.<\/p>\n
The federal grand jury returned the indictment July 22. All five have made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho.<\/p>\n
What investigators say happened<\/p>\n
According to the indictment, an unidentified person allegedly deposited a counterfeit Treasury tax refund check for $1,052,615.97 into a business account belonging to Blade.<\/p>\n
Blade and the other defendants then allegedly attempted to access the money through a series of financial transactions.<\/p>\n
Investigators say the group used some of the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase cashier\u2019s checks, transfer money between financial institutions and make cash withdrawals.<\/p>\n
The defendants are facing various charges, including:<\/p>\n
Passing a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check<\/p>\n
Bank fraud<\/p>\n
Conspiracy<\/p>\n
Money laundering<\/p>\n
If convicted, the defendants could face significant federal prison sentences and fines.<\/p>\n
Blade faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine for passing the counterfeit check. He also faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each bank fraud count, as well as additional potential prison time and fines for the conspiracy and money laundering charges.<\/p>\n
Folkes, Taylor, Morris and James face similar maximum penalties if convicted.<\/p>\n
The investigation was conducted by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service.<\/p>\n
Assistant U.S. Attorney John R. Lewis is prosecuting the case.<\/p>\n
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct and is not evidence of guilt. All five defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.<\/p>\n
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