GREENBELT, Md. -- A Maryland couple has been sentenced for their involvement in a scheme to defraud D.C.'s tax office out of nearly $50 million.
Patricia and Robert Steven, of Harwood, deposited about $9 million in fraudulent checks from the tax office into the bank accounts of their small clothing business, prosecutors said. They then used some of the money to buy three Jaguars, at least two homes and jewelry.
The fraudulent checks were part of a scheme led by former D.C. tax office worker Harriette Walters, who stole money from the city through fake property tax refunds, prosecutors said. Walters then funneled the money to friends and relatives.
Patricia Steven appeared Monday in federal court and was sentenced to almost six years in prison. Her husband Robert, a former IRS worker, was sentenced hours later to almost four years in prison.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
