JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Six people are facing federal charges for allegedly using stolen identities to create and file federal income tax returns and have tax refunds deposited into their bank accounts.
A 42-count federal indictment accuses Marietta Harris, Ladonna Copper, Tony Jones, Nikki Thomas, Shekeila Jones and S'Ade Tyler of conspiring with each other to obtain identifying information from former and current Mississippi Department of Corrections inmates and from patient files in doctors' offices.
Nearly $40,000 was deposited into bank accounts the six allegedly controlled in January 2009.
Cooper was at one time employed at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County and had access to the Social Security Numbers and dates of birth of current and former inmates and visitors to the prison, according to the indictment.
This isn't the first time an employee at the prison has been arrested for this crime. Several years ago, Janice Singleton was sentenced to 52 months in prison for using inmates' records to file false tax returns.
Certified Public Accountant Joseph Hines in Jackson said this is a crime than can affect victims long term.
"You need to be extremely careful when using your Social Security Number. Don't give it out to just anyone," Hines said.
In this case prison inmates don't have a choice, but others should be cautious when it comes to offering your personal information.
The six defendants will appear in court April 8.
Copyright 2013 MSNewsNow. All rights reserved.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
