BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

Last fall, a year-long investigation resulted in the arrest of several individuals. Known as “Operation Rainmaker,” the investigation focused on theft and tax fraud.

The joint task force executed the first level of arrests in what has become known as the drop scam with more than 40 arrests. Since that time, several others have been taken into custody and charged with grand theft and identity theft by the Tampa Police Department.

However, Ms. Laura McElroy, spokesperson for the Tampa Police Department said that although many of the defendants have already gone to state court, they could face other charges.

“We can’t charge them with tax fraud because that is a federal offense. We have charged them with grand theft and identity theft. But, we have sent more than 100 cases to the Internal Revenue Service for violations of the tax code.

“This means that even though they make have been to state court, they can still face federal charges for tax fraud,” Ms. McElroy said.

The investigation began more than two years ago and culminated with arrests as “Operation Rainmaker” last September.

Police discovered that several suspects were obtaining the personal information of individuals, living or dead, and filing a tax refund in that person’s name. The refunds were received on a prepaid debit card, treasury check through the U. S. mail, or through direct deposit.

The task force included the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, and the U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

As the 2012 tax season begins, some individuals are discovering that their personal information has already been used to file a federal tax return.

Ms. McElroy said, the department receives several complaints a week. “We are continuing to work with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Secret Service and the Postal Service. Our investigation is ongoing and very active,” she said.

Ms. McElroy said that rather than a sudden spike in reports because of tax season, “It appears that the complaints of identity theft are fairly constant.”[private]

Some of those who were arrested last year include: Marterrance “Quat” Holloway, Kenneth Goodson, Quincy Wimberly, Janica Bullock, Raid Faria, Reem Faria, Russell Simmons, Jr., Derrick Parker, Deemma Coleman, Bobby Mosley, Jr., Micah Alexander, Jeff Borgelin, Kenyarta Gaines, Alexis Harrison, Sheila Allen, Damien Harrison, Serio Miller, Eric Ingram, Roger Snells, Danielle Denson, Patrick Shaw, Tarrananzton Barr, Alexander Lennox, Hantz St. Marc, Kahaldoun “Tony” Khawaja, Dwayne Johnson, Brinton Gaston, and Michael Williams.

Rachel Amones, Roger Snells, Patrick Shaw, Tarrananzton Barr, Patricia Shaw, Shawntrece Sims, and Jacqueline Ferreira have been convicted and sentenced to federal prison.[/private]

Pictured, l to r: Roger Snells, Patrick Shaw, Patricia Shaw and Rachel Amones