PHOENIX, Ariz. – A Texas woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy that defrauded the IRS of millions by altering tax returns and funneling stolen refunds into cryptocurrency.
Jackie Marie Peters, 53, of Mansfield, Texas, was sentenced on March 31 by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow. In addition to her prison time, Peters will serve three years of supervised release. She previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
How the Fraud Scheme Unfolded
From January 2020 to April 2022, Peters worked with co-conspirators who hacked into an Arizona tax preparation firm’s computer system. They altered in-progress tax documents for over 40 unsuspecting clients, ensuring the fraudulent refunds would be deposited into accounts controlled by Peters.
She then opened 10 bank accounts across multiple financial institutions to receive the fraudulent tax refunds. Investigators say she transferred more than $2.5 million from these accounts into cryptocurrency.
Federal Investigation and Sentencing
The IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office led the case, ultimately tracking down Peters and her role in the operation.
Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of the crime, stating that Peters knowingly participated in a scheme that exploited both taxpayers and financial institutions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona handled the prosecution. Authorities have not disclosed whether other individuals involved in the conspiracy have been charged.
