The IRS deputized 30 investigators from local and state agencies on Friday in a stepped-up effort to fight identity theft and tax refund fraud in the Bay area.
The investigators are deputies, officers and agents who are already investigating the fraud that's been a big problem in the region for the past few years. The new role as "special IRS criminal investigators" gives them access to information and the ability to do things like execute federal search warrants.
"These folks now are going to have expanded authority that will allow them to police not just their local jurisdiction but any jurisdiction within the U.S.," said Jim Robnett, IRS criminal investigations special agent in charge for the Tampa field office.
The efforts are part of the Identity Theft Alliance the IRS launched last year to work with local agencies in the fight against the crime that's cost the government billions of dollars in fraudulent refunds. In the tax refund crime, fraudsters file fake tax returns using stolen identities, tricking the government into sending out refunds often worth thousands of dollars each.
Previously, investigators with local agencies had expressed frustration they couldn't get information needed to investigate cases because of federal privacy issues. Now they hope their new positions will help them get access to information connected with fraudulent returns to speed up their cases.
"I think the most important thing for the sheriff's office … is that we're able to get tax returns a lot quicker than we did prior to today," said Corp. Bruce Crumpler, who heads up tax fraud investigations at the Hillsborough Sheriff's Office.
Those sworn in Friday are from the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough Sheriff's Office, Clearwater Police Department, Largo Police Department, St. Petersburg Police Department, Brooksville Police Department, Hernando County Sheriff's Office, Polk County Sheriff's Office, Manatee County Sheriff's Office and FDLE.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:23:47 GMT
On Tuesday at about 1:50 a.m., officers with the Brooksville Police Department responded to the Brookhaven Apartments after a report of a Disturbance/Shots Fired complaint.
On Tuesday at about 1:50 a.m., officers with the Brooksville Police Department responded to the Brookhaven Apartments after a report of a Disturbance/Shots Fired complaint.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:18:57 GMT
It's one of the big scandals that's been plaguing President Obama's administration in recent weeks: news that the I-R-S gave special scrutiny to conservative groups, looking for tax- exempt status. About
It's one of the big scandals that's been plaguing President Obama's administration in recent weeks: news that the I-R-S gave special scrutiny to conservative groups, looking for tax- exempt status.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:04:18 GMT
A proposal to split up the roles of chairman of the board and chief executive at the nation's largest bank came up short at a shareholder meeting held in Tampa on Tuesday. The financial world paid close
A proposal to split up the roles of chairman of the board and chief executive at the nation's largest bank came up short at a shareholder meeting held in Tampa on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:30:39 GMT
Steven Vaughan (left) poses with a relative in Bill Murray t-shirts, after claiming $1 million POWERBALL prize at Florida Lottery Headquarters
The Florida Lottery announces that Steven Vaughan, 41, of Seminole, claimed the second $1 million POWERBALL® prize from Saturday night's POWERBALL drawing. The winning numbers from the POWERBALL draw were 10-13-14-22-52,
The Florida Lottery announces that Steven Vaughan, 41, of Seminole, claimed the second $1 million POWERBALL® prize from Saturday night's POWERBALL drawing. The winning numbers from the POWERBALL draw were 10-13-14-22-52,
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:53:22 GMT
The state admits it dropped the ball, but 51 year old Wes Diebold lost his license over a 2 dollar mistake.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Looking for a job is tough enough these days but how much tougher does having a suspended driver's license make things? 51 year old Wes Diebold doesn't know for sure if his suspended license was a roadblock.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:56 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:56:22 GMT
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
The weather is getting warm in the bay area and pest control experts say it's bringing out dry wood termites. "The phones are ringing off the hook now because the termites are swarming," said exterminator
Friday, May 17 2013 7:36 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:36:31 GMT
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
As the news of Angelina Jolie brings awareness to the fight against breast cancer there is a major medical breakthrough thanks to a nationwide study with the largest number of participants at USF.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:00 AM EDT2013-05-17 09:00:46 GMT
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Teacher supplies can be very expensive. Ask any teacher they will tell you it's true. A couple of local educators are doing their best to help cut the cost for the tools teachers use in the classroom. Adrianne
Thursday, May 16 2013 6:00 PM EDT2013-05-16 22:00:27 GMT
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
They went to school on federally-backed student loans and have now defaulted on them to the tune of $111.5 million dollars. That means taxpayers are on the hook for that money. 895 doctors nationwide
Friday, May 17 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-17 20:58:08 GMT
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
The 'Great May Giveaway' is underway. Now through May 24, you have a chance to win tablets, tickets and more! All this week we're giving away an Apple iPad mini , every weekday morning.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:05 AM EDT2013-05-21 09:05:01 GMT
Hearing on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, Lindsay Carter took advantage of the advanced warning, gathered her belongings and fled.
Hearing on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, Lindsay Carter took advantage of the advanced warning, gathered her belongings and fled.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:59:20 GMT
An 18-year-old woman charged with lewd and lascivious battery of a child 12 to 16 years old has to decide whether or not to take the plea deal on the charge. Kaitlyn Hunt faces charges for a relationship
An 18-year-old woman charged with lewd and lascivious battery of a child 12 to 16 years old has to decide whether or not to take the plea deal on the charge. Kaitlyn Hunt faces charges for a relationship
Monday, May 20 2013 7:59 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:59:30 GMT
Officials with the Polk County Sheriff's Office report that deputies arrested 41-year-old Jerry Matthew Monroe of Lakeland today charging him with Misdemeanor Battery.
Officials with the Polk County Sheriff's Office report that deputies arrested 41-year-old Jerry Matthew Monroe of Lakeland today charging him with Misdemeanor Battery.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:32 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:32:24 GMT
Rescue crews are working through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Rescue crews are working through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:13:03 GMT
A homeless man whose face was mostly chewed off in a bizarre attack last year in Miami has learned to play guitar as he continues treatment for his injuries.
A homeless man whose face was mostly chewed off in a bizarre attack last year in Miami has learned to play guitar as he continues treatment for his injuries.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:30 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:30:01 GMT
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance. But under new legislation awaiting the signature of Governor Rick Scott it could
The Obridge Academy is a virtual school with a virtual Florida headquarters and a virtual track record of performance.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:59 GMT
Search-and-rescue crews worked through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
Search-and-rescue crews worked through the night after a monstrous tornado barreled through the Oklahoma City suburbs, demolishing an elementary school and reducing homes to piles of splintered wood.
