A federal jury in Florida convicted Clarence Christofer Ward, also known as Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, on multiple counts for a scheme that defrauded the IRS of $4.1 million. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced the verdict, which found Ward guilty of one count of wire fraud, ten counts of money laundering, and one count of making a false claim to the IRS.
Ward faces a maximum penalty of 125 years in federal prison, though his sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The Fraudulent Refund
Evidence presented at trial showed that in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return for a Trust in his name. On the return, he falsely claimed the Trust had paid over $7 million in federal taxes in 2019 and requested a $4.1 million refund from the IRS.
The tax return was filed in the Middle District of Florida. Although IRS records showed the Trust had never paid federal taxes, the agency initially issued the refund before uncovering the fraud.
Immediate Spending and Forfeiture
After receiving the $4.1 million, Ward spent the funds on four residential properties, a luxury car, vacations, and investment accounts.
The jury also determined that the residential properties purchased with the fraudulently obtained funds could be forfeited to the U.S. government.
The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
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