Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has filed charges against a tax preparer accused of defrauding Floridians, primarily targeting seniors. The Broward Sheriff's Office apprehended Ricardo Karns, who allegedly used his business, Karns Taxes & Investments, to deceive at least 21 victims. Among these victims, 19 are reported to be seniors.
Karns is accused of acquiring personal identification information from nonclients and using it to open credit card accounts in their names. He then reportedly used these fraudulent cards at his own business, creating the illusion that the victims had purchased tax services.
Attorney General Ashley Moody commented on the case: "This tax preparer stole personal information to defraud Florida seniors. He tried to launder his ill-gotten gains, funneling the stolen funds through his tax business — where he spent countless hours executing his illegal scheme. Now, my Statewide Prosecutors will make sure he pays for his crimes with an extended stay at a taxpayer-funded facility."
The investigation revealed that Karns transferred money from these fraudulent transactions into a separate account or withdrew it as cash. It was also found that some credit card transactions occurred at businesses owned by associates of Karns.
Karns faces several charges including one count of organized scheme to defraud, two counts of money laundering, 16 counts of criminal use of personal identification information, 19 counts of grand theft involving individuals aged 65 or older, and three counts of grand theft.
Statewide Prosecutors Sophia Birriel-Sanchez and Jonathan Bridges are assigned to handle this case.