BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Earlier this month, police began making arrests in cases where the names, addresses, or personal information of citizens living and dead, were used to obtain federal income tax returns. So far, the names of 49 people linked to the investigation were released.

Since publication of the names, the Sentinel has been visited by individuals, received certified letters, and telephone calls of some individuals whose names were released. However, a spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department stated that the list of names were handed down by investigating agencies and are linked to what has become known as the “Drop Scam.”

The Sentinel has learned that individuals in the community ranging from the elderly to the disabled, to the deceased have been victimized. The Sentinel has also learned that the crime is being perpetrated by all age groups ranging from high school students to grandparents.

Police said the defendants in the cases utilize computers to access Turbo Tax and other internet tax programs to file the fraudulent claims. The refunds have been received through the mail, through direct deposit, and on ATM cards.

Howard McKnight, a longtime Certified Public Accountant said, “It slows down the processing of innocent person’s tax returns and it decreases the return of good clients. That is the bottom line.” McKnight further stated that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now requiring that all tax preparers be registered with them.

Since the Tampa Police Department’s “Operation Rainmaker,” took place bringing the illegal practice to the forefront, U. S. Senator Bill Nelson and U. S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor have both called for stronger laws with stronger punishment for those convicted of the crimes.

Currently, tax fraud charges can only be filed by federal law enforcement. However, local law enforcement can file charges of uttering forged instruments, identity theft, use of false identification, money laundering, grand theft, and other charges while investigating cases.

Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor said the “Operation Rainmaker,” investigation began nearly two years ago and some individuals were arrested last year.

Chief Castor said, “This is certainly not a victimless crime because they are taking hard earned dollars out of the pockets of honest taxpayers.

“We are continuing to receive information and we are vigorously investigating this crime. There is no doubt that future charges will be leveled against those individuals who continue to commit these crimes.”