Fresno Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Filing $1.5 Million in False Tax Returns

FRESNO, Calif. - Marice Curry, 35, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to three years in prison for filing false federal income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of Curry's scheme and the impact it had on the federal tax system," said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. "Fraudulent refund claims drain taxpayer dollars and undermine the integrity of programs designed to support legitimate businesses. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who attempt to exploit these programs."

"The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively pursues those who abuse the tax administration process for unlawful purposes," said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Krystofor Proev. "We appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure individuals engaged in such criminal activity are held accountable to the American people."

"The scope of Marice Curry's fraud, involving more than fifty false tax returns and over 1.5 million dollars in improper refund claims, represents a serious breach of trust in our tax system as reflected by today's sentencing," said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe. "IRS-CI does not hesitate to pursue individuals who attempt to misuse programs meant for legitimate taxpayers, especially when a scheme is complex or designed to mislead. Our duty is clear: protect honest taxpayers and pursue justice."

According to court records, in 2023, Curry filed more than 50 fraudulent tax returns on behalf of various businesses, seeking over $1.5 million in improper refunds. He did so by falsely claiming refundable fuel tax credits-credits intended to reimburse businesses for excise taxes paid on fuel used for legitimate off-highway purposes such as farming and fishing. Curry knew the businesses were not entitled to these credits.

IRS-CI and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.