STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that LaTosha Bowers, 32, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to defraud the United States with respect to claims. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who is handling the case, stated that between January 2012 and January 2015, the defendant conspired with Emmanuel Collins, a/k/a “Scooter,” and others, to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
In January 2012, the defendant met co-defendant Emmanuel Collins who she was told could assist her in “getting some money” by filing fraudulent tax returns with the IRS. Bowers gave Collins her name, date of birth, and social security number. In turn, Collins gave the defendant fraudulent 2011 Form W-2, which Bowers filed with the IRS claiming a refund in the amount of $8,398, to which she was not entitled. The filing claimed that the defendant worked at a business called Remedy Intelligent Staffing, which she did not.
Bowers filed similar false returns for the tax years 2012-2014 falsely claiming to work at businesses including Buffalo Civic Management, Complete Personnel Solutions, and once again Remedy Intelligent Staffing.
The conspiracy resulted in a loss of $42,087 to the IRS.
Charges are pending against Emmanuel Collins. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The plea is the culmination of an investigation led by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 20, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Geraci.
