Operation Bad Refunds--tax fraud scheme
WEST PALM BEACH--- 44 people face charges in a large tax fraud scheme.
Calling it "Operation Bad Refunds", detectives say they've put ringleaders Tonia Williams and Leroy Walker behind bars.
Also in court Thursday, some of the people detectives say Williams and Walker recruited to pull off their fraud.
Investigators say Williams and Walker counterfeited fake W-2 forms the recruits used to file false returns at Liberty Tax Service.
Detectives say the recruits then applied for tax refund anticipation loans.
When the checks came, investigators say the culprits split the proceeds.
Liberty Tax Service employee Scott Shrader said, "I'm ticked off, but I'm very glad to see investigators were able to put an end to it."
Detectives say they are still looking for about half of the 44 suspects. The judge set bail for Williams at $750,000 and $300,000 for Walker.
