IRS Logo (TFP File Photo) TAMPA, Fla. - Two Florida men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a tax fraud scheme that cheated t
TAMPA, Fla. – Two Florida men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a tax fraud scheme that cheated the IRS out of millions of dollars.
Jasen Harvey of Tampa received a 48-month sentence, and Christopher Johnson of Orlando received a 37-month sentence. Both were convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States through a scheme known as the “Note Program.”
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Between 2015 and 2018, Harvey and Johnson conspired to file fraudulent tax returns for clients that falsely claimed large income tax withholdings, resulting in significant refunds. They charged clients fees and demanded a portion of the fraudulent refunds.
The scheme resulted in over $3 million in fraudulent refund claims, with the IRS paying out approximately $1.5 million.
In addition to prison time, both men were ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay restitution to the United States. Johnson was ordered to pay $864,117.42, and Harvey was ordered to pay $785,858.42.
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A third co-defendant, Arthur Grimes, is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2025.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by the Tax Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
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