Tommie Lee Hankerson, a resident of Lauderdale Lakes, continued to receive SSI benefits until February 2020. However, after his death in June 2016 at the age of 90, it was his daughter, Terri Lynn Hankerson, who spent the $48,328 that had been deposited into his account. Despite knowing about her father’s passing, Terri Lynn Hankerson did not notify the Social Security Administration or her father’s bank.
Terri Lynn Hankerson, who is 59 years old, will be relocating from Lauderdale Lakes to a federal prison by March 24, where she will serve a five-month sentence, followed by five months of house arrest. In addition, she has been ordered to pay restitution for the $48,328 she stole. On Tuesday, she filed a notice of appeal after being found guilty of one count of theft of government funds in a jury trial. The case was investigated by the SSI Office of the Inspector General, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Thompson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi Raft.
What are the costs of defrauding the IRS?
Instead, she used the money to pay for things that her deceased father could not have possibly done, such as visits to strip clubs, attending Miami Heat games, and going on Caribbean cruises. Furthermore, she managed to keep her SunPass account out of debt. The costs of defrauding the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) can be severe and may include Legal penalties, Individuals who are caught defrauding the IRS may face legal penalties such as fines, interest, and imprisonment. The amount of the penalties depends on the severity of the fraud.
Other consequences may include to individuals who defraud the IRS may also be liable for civil damages. These damages may include the amount owed to the IRS plus additional penalties. Being convicted of tax fraud can also damage an individual’s reputation and make it difficult for them to obtain credit, secure a job, or engage in other financial activities. Additional audits: If an individual is found to have defrauded the IRS, they may be subjected to additional audits in the future, making it harder to maintain compliance with tax laws.
Overall, the costs of defrauding the IRS can be significant and can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s financial and personal life. It is important to pay taxes honestly and to seek legal advice if you have concerns about your tax obligations.
