In the Courts: Employee Steals Resident Identities, Files False Tax Returns

​A jury has convicted a nursing home employee of conspiring to file false federal income tax returns using residents' identities, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. The employee was also convicted of aggravated identity theft, theft of government money, and wire fraud.

The employee used the names and social security numbers of residents and conspired with at least two other people to file the tax returns. The returns were filed from two Internet protocol addresses associated with the employee. The tax refunds were deposited onto prepaid debit cards, which were mailed to the employee and other individuals. The employee and others who received the stolen funds used the money to make car payments, throw a party, and shop online. Several residents whose identities were stolen testified that they did not consent to the use...