Maryland Couple Sentenced In Tax Fraud Scheme

Robert O. Steven, 55, of Edgewater, Maryland and Patricia A. Steven, 73, of Harwood, Maryland, were sentenced yesterday to nearly 4 and nearly 6 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a tax refund scheme that defrauded the Washington, DC Office of Tax and Revenue out of nearly $50 million. They were each also ordered to pay $8,833,310.32 in a judgment, plus forfeit certain property, including two residences, vehicles and other items. The couple. pictured here and who are now estranged, were described as close friends and co-conspirators of convicted tax fraud schemer, Harriette Walters, who's exploits were previously outlined in FraudTalk here. Robert Steven was formerly a division director for the IRS in their New Carrollton office and a 22 year veteran of the agency. They were found guilty of depositing some $9 million in fraudulent tax refunds, orchestrated by Walters, into their own bank accounts. Patricia Steven and Walters reportedly went on extravagant shopping sprees and together with Robert Steven purchased two homes, Jaguars and expensive jewelry. Their tax fraud conspiracy dates back 16 years, according to authorities. Other conspirators in Walters' web include, Jayrece Turnbull, 34, of Bowie, Maryland, Harriette Walters’ niece, who pleaded guilty in the case. Ricardo R. Walters, 33, of Ft. Washington, Maryland, was sentenced on July 23, 2008 to 78 months in prison for his role in the case. Marilyn Yoon, 40, of Derwood, Maryland; Walter Jones, 33, of Essex, Maryland; and Connie Alexander, 53, of Bowie, Maryland have also pleaded guilty in the scheme.

Read the story here, here and here.

Read the DOJ announcement here.