Woman steals dead people's identities in tax scheme

TAMPA — Latosha Strong has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for filing false federal income tax returns in the names of deceased individuals.

According to court documents, Strong stole the identities of at least 10 dead people to file the fraudulent tax returns, a statement says. The refunds were directed to at least five different bank accounts in Strong's name.

The total amount of the false claims was $85,814, but the actual loss amounted to $52,735.71, which Strong was forced to pay in restitution, the statement says. The money was spent on a variety of retail items and services and in transactions at a local casino.

Strong's case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel. She pleaded guilty on Dec. 11, 2015.