A metro Atlanta couple was indicted Tuesday for allegedly using hundreds of stolen identities to claim more than $600,000 in bogus tax returns.
Justin “Decatur Slim” Cody, 32, and Aeshia Wilmore, 24, were charged with federal counts of conspiracy to commit theft of public funds, theft of public funds and aggravated identity theft.
Prosecutors said Cody, of Decatur, used electronic filing identification numbers of at least two tax preparations businesses, along with ID information stolen from hundreds of victims and bogus earning and withholding information to file fraudulent tax returns between February and May.
He then directed the funds to blank prepaid debit cards that he and Wilmore, of Atlanta, used at ATMs across the metro region, federal prosecutors said.
Cody is in federal custody, and Wilmore could not be reached for comment. Federal authorities said Wilmore’s arraignment date is pending.
If convicted, Cody and Wilmore each face 17 years in prison, along with $750,000 in fines.
“The indictment of Mr. Cody and Ms. Wilmore further illustrates the FBI’s efforts and commitment toward not only protecting public funds but protecting the public from those who would prey on them,” said Mark F. Giuliano, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta FBI field office.
About the Author
