Tax Fraud: Six Charged in $177 Million Refund Scheme

The Internal Revenue Service paid out $81 million in refunds based on more than 9,000 fraudulent tax returns filed by a Mobile, Alabama, accounting firm, according to a federal indictment unsealed Wednesday. The scheme, which sought a total of $177 million from the government, involved a range of improper deductions and credits claimed between 2021 and 2024.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Mobile announced the charges as part of a joint operation with the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the IRS, and the FBI. The investigation targets six individuals associated with JB Accounting Tax Service LLC, a business located on Broad Street that processed the returns.

The lead defendant is Jennifer Beverly, 47, the owner of the tax service. She faces two counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The indictment also names Kennedy Lawrence Stovall Winston, 42, a former University of Alabama basketball player who worked for the firm. Winston faces the same fraud charges and an unrelated federal fraud charge connected to stolen Treasury checks.

Four additional employees are charged with conspiracy and wire fraud. They are Jadasha Bowman, 28; Solida Lucille Green, 36; Paris Lovett, 30, also known as Paris Johnson; and Shermeka Benjamin, 38. Prosecutors allege the group improperly claimed COVID-19 credits, fuel tax credits, credit repayments, estimated tax payments, and education credits to inflate the refund amounts.

Maisha Horton, acting special agent in charge of the Atlanta Field Office of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, described the alleged abuse as "staggering" in a prepared statement. She noted that tax preparers are entrusted with sensitive financial data and have a duty to uphold the integrity of the tax system. Horton stated that the agencies are committed to following the money and holding those responsible accountable for manipulating credits to defraud taxpayers.

Christopher Flowers, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Mobile Field Office, said the charges demonstrate a strong partnership among federal law enforcement. He described the case as a serious breach of trust and emphasized that rebuilding public trust is a core priority for the FBI. Flowers added that the bureau will continue to pursue anyone who exploits financial and tax systems for personal gain.

A court date has not yet been set for the six defendants. If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.