A Florida resident who taunted authorities as she stole millions from the IRS, has been jailed for 21 years
It’s tax season again, and everyone is waiting on the big refund check from good old Uncle Sam. For those who don’t save receipts, or think they can outsmart the IRS; think again.
Rashia Wilson, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft earlier this year, admitted to stealing over $3 million from the IRS. Tampa police were first alerted to the fraud in 2010 when they noticed a drop in drug dealing in the area. Wilson’s fraud was discovered during a two-year investigation called ‘Operation Rain Maker’. The multi-agency investigation included Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Wilson became a prime suspect in the investigation. Her mother was addicted to cocaine when she was born, while her father was in prison while she was growing up. She came up from a life of poverty, having been diagnosed as Bi-Polar when she was 14; and then suddenly becoming rich.
Those involved in the tax fraud operation used stolen social security numbers to file returns. The scam caused ordinary taxpayers to have to wait for up to a year to even receive their refunds.
She still claimed food stamps, and became reckless spending money she supposedly didn’t have…$90,000 on an Audi A8, $30,000 on her son’s first birthday party, designer handbags from Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, and custom jewelry. Then she wore a diamond studded piece holding racks of money, and put herself on blast on social media. When police searched her residence in Wimauma they removed electronic goods, including large flat-screen TV’s, and designer goods. Police say the number of security cameras around the property had raised suspicions.
Wilson has been ordered to $3.1 million in restitution. The amount reflects the estimated loss to the government her time of plea. The investigation later found the figure to be higher but the judge agreed to honor the plea agreement. Wilson will owe the restitution with co-defendant Maurice Larry, who spent $100,000, was sentenced to 14 1/2 years in federal prison September of 2013.
Infinite Wiz (@InfiniteWiz)
