Three individuals sentenced for roles in fraud and identity theft ring that stole over $6 million in government funds

Three individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a far-ranging fraud and identity theft ring that stole and laundered over $6 million in government funds that had been obtained using stolen identification information and the opening of fraudulent bank accounts.

“In just a few months, these defendants used hundreds of stolen identities and laundered millions in fraud proceeds from government programs—several of which were designed to help those most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan.  “Their sentences reflect the scope of their conduct and our commitment to partner with federal, state, and local investigators to prosecute individuals who seek to exploit government programs.”

“These convictions highlight the commitment of our agency to combat fraud and protect the integrity of government funds,” said Kyle Munro, special agent in charge of the Fraud and Schemes Division of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.  “The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and our dedicated personnel have resulted in the successful apprehension and sentencing of those responsible for this egregious crime. We will continue to aggressively pursue individuals engaged in such criminal activities, sending a clear message that fraud and identity theft will not be tolerated. Our resolve to safeguard public funds and maintain the trust of the citizens remains steadfast.”

“These convicted criminals caused great stress to their victims upending their lives when they stole their identities and utilized the stolen identities to fraudulently gain federal tax funds intended to aid taxpayers,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Many people may be embarrassed or feel at fault when their identity has been taken. I want to let these victims know that it is not their fault and that they are not alone. IRS-CI will continue working closely with our partners to investigate, apprehend, and prosecute perpetrators who seek to steal the information of innocent victims, especially that of America’s seniors.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the charges and other information presented in court: Between approximately January 2020 and October 2020, the defendants and others opened financial accounts using stolen personal identifying information from hundreds of victims and used these accounts to receive and launder the proceeds of various frauds, including fraudulently obtained federal income tax refunds, economic impact payments, SBA loans, and unemployment benefits from at least 21 states. In total, the scheme caused a loss of at least $6 million in government funds.

Edwin Owie, 63, of Dallas, Georgia, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,390,357.03 in restitution to the federal and state victims.  Owie pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Deborah McNeill, 55, of Loganville, Georgia, was sentenced to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,390,357.03 in restitution to the federal and state victims.  McNeill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.

Osemwengie Imarhia, 43, of Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced to two years, six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,390,357.03 in restitution to the federal and state victims.  Imarhia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud.

TIGTA and IRS-CI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Sistla and Trial Attorneys Lauren Archer and Katherine Rookard of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.