An El Cajon woman who filed hundreds of false income tax returns has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $120,639 in restitution.
Shalee B. Kolze, also known as Shalee Ingersoll, 47, is expected to be released on Sept. 23, 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons after receiving credit for time already spent in jail.
An El Cajon woman who filed hundreds of false income tax returns has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $120,639 in restitution.
Shalee B. Kolze, also known as Shalee Ingersoll, 47, is expected to be released on Sept. 23, 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons after receiving credit for time already spent in jail.
Kolze pleaded guilty to filing a false and fraudulent tax return in Nov., 2016, and was recently sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan. She could have received five years in federal prison.
Kolze stole the names and Social Security numbers of workers for a local credit union from a local storage unit, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. She filed the false returns in the names of her relatives and friends and cashed the checks at a check-cashing business.
Some of the victims were people whom she did prepare their tax returns, but did not know she was using their information to file false returns. The addresses on the returns were ones in which she had access.
“All taxpayers are harmed when identity thieves file fraudulent tax returns using stolen names and Social Security numbers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana Robinson, who reminded the public to always review a copy of any tax return prepared and filed on their behalf.
Robinson said consumers should be skeptical of tax preparers who offer to obtain substantial tax refunds.
“With filing season in full swing, those who might consider preparing false tax returns using stolen identities for profit should be aware of the extremely negative consequences,” said Anthony Orlando, the IRS criminal investigation agent in charge.
Motorist to be convicted on drug charges after pleading guilty
A motorist who was arrested at the U.S. checkpoint in Pine Valley will be sentenced May 1 after pleading guilty to possession of 13 bundles of methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute.
David Martinez-Carrillo, 26, of Mexico, could receive a maximum 20-year term in federal prison, but a lesser sentence is more likely.
U.S. Border Patrol agents stopped him Sept. 12, 2016 at 5:20 p.m. and his grey Honda Accord was searched after his hands shook from apparent nervousness.
Martinez-Carrillo had an immigration document that permitted him to enter the country and told agents he was going to North Western Hospital in San Diego, although no such hospital exists by that name.
Martinez-Carrillo agreed to allow a canine search of his vehicle and agents noticed a smell of fresh paint on the seat brace in the back seat. Agents found a hidden compartment containing 13 bundles wrapped in black tape, according to court records.
Martinez-Carrillo is being detained without bail in the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
Lemon Grove man sentenced for possession of ammunition
A Lemon Grove man who pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition in violation of a court order has been sentenced to a concurrent 2-year state prison term he is now serving for having sex with a 17-year-old girl.
No additional time was ordered for Daniel Alfredo Spear, 46, who is a former U.S. Border Patrol agent who lost his job after he was charged with the sex offense in 2016.
Spear had been free on bond under conditions of not possessing a firearm and ammunition. Agents searched his home and found hundreds of ammunition in a safe that was a violation of his release conditions and he was charged with a separate case in El Cajon Superior Court.
A San Diego Superior Court jury found him guilty of oral copulation and digital penetration of a minor and using a cell phone for inappropriate images of the girl. The same jury acquitted Spear of three counts of furnishing drugs to the girl.
Spear was ordered to register as a sex offender by a judge who denied probation and imposed a two-year term.
