A 52-year-old New Port Richey woman is headed to federal prison following her conviction on fraud and obstruction charges.
Ingrid McBride Rich was issued a sentence of four years on Friday by United States District Court Judge James D. Whitmore. She must also pay restitution of $510,222 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Per Department of Justice release Rich was found guilty on August 17th. Investigators say she submitted a fraudulent tax return for 2008, which resulted in her receiving a refund check more than $500,000.
Once Rich received the money she opened a new bank account, deposited the funds and immediately began transferring the cash into several various accounts. The currency was in her name and the name of entities she owned.
To prevent the government from recouping the fraudulently obtained money, Rich used cashier’s checks and at least 10 bank accounts and four banking institutions to hide the funds. Evidence presented at trial indicated she purchased nearly 100 cashier’s checks and engaged in hundreds of financial transactions over a 36-month period.
Rich also incorporated two companies to hide funds obtained by the refund. She also hid the cash in accounts of other corporations she had previously controlled.
To perpetuate her criminal doings, Rich sent the IRS frivolous correspondence, including fake money orders and tax documents – another ploy designed to delay collection of the bogus refund money.
