In April 2022, following the FBI’s findings, the IRS launched an undercover operation to probe Crawford’s activities further. During the operation, Crawford prepared a fake tax return for an agent that included inflated deductions, false credits, and a fabricated business loss of over $19,000. This fraudulent return claimed a refund of more than $12,000, underscoring the extent of the fraud.
Implications and Upcoming Sentencing
Crawford is set to be sentenced on March 19, facing up to 30 years in prison and a potential $1 million fine. Her guilty plea marks a significant step in addressing tax fraud within the industry, with authorities stressing that her case is an outlier.
Representatives for Crawford did not respond immediately to requests for comment, but her legal counsel, Frank G. Podesta of FGP Law, has indicated that she will be addressing the charges at sentencing. The case continues to underscore the risks of fraudulent tax schemes, especially during periods of economic uncertainty and crisis.
