It was announced on Tuesday that the two defendants found guilty in Federal Court have been sentenced on charges of Identity Theft and Filing False Tax Returns.

U.S. Attorney Karen Loeffler announced on September 2nd that 39-year-old Jameane Bolton-Williams and 54-year-old Joe Murl Douglas were sentenced as a result of the roles they played in the scheme to defraud the government. Bolton-Williams was sentenced to 82 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of at least $91,927.65. Douglas was given 57 months and order to pay restitution in the amount of $43,043.55.

A third defendant in the case, Lucille Stansberry was previously sentenced to 36 months ad one day in prison and ordered to pay $48,619.95 in restitution.

The fourth person involved in the scheme, Demetrick Ruffin, is still at large and remains a fugitive.

It was shown in court that the conspirators obtained identity information that included names, birth dates, and social security numbers that they then used to file false W-2 forms with sake wage and withholding amounts. They then took that false information to tax preparers in the Palmer, Anchorage, and Eagle River areas as well as the Orange County and Los Angeles areas in California.

In most cases, the conspirators applied for refund anticipation loans on re-loadable cards in amounts ranging from $1,400 to $8,600.

Victim’s statements were referenced by Judge Timothy M. Burgess at sentencing and the judge pointed out the enduring impact and difficulties that the victims suffered by the crimes committed by the defendants. The victims themselves also spoke out at sentencing stating the difficulties that they now have securing loans, providing for their children’s education and taking care of their own retirement needs.

Attorney Loeffler also noted, “Identity theft in any of its myriad manifestations is a pernicious crime that causes untold and lasting difficulties to its victims. In addition, tax fraud affects and damages the vast majority of hard-working American taxpayers. These significant sentences reflect the damage done and federal law enforcement’s commitment to prosecuting those who perpetuate these crimes.”

“Refund fraud is a top priority for the IRS,” said Special Agent in Charge Teri Alexander of the IRS Seattle Field Office. “The sentences handed down to these defendants show that IRS Criminal Investigation and the US Attorney’s Office are committed to fighting this growing epidemic. Justice has been served on those who conspired to steal from the government and every U.S. taxpayer, but more importantly, we hope these sentences provide some sense of closure for the victims whose lives were so affected by the nefarious deeds of these identity thieves.”

  Alaska, conspiracy, federal court, identity theft, sentencing