美国伊利诺伊州女子因退税诈骗获刑

Press Release

Illinois Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Wire Fraud Conspiracy

Friday, September 11, 2026

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For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Defendant Sought More than $4.6M in Fraudulent Refunds from IRS

An Illinois woman was sentenced this week to 27 months in prison for her role in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain tax refunds by submitting false tax returns and fictitious financial instruments to the IRS. “Monika Skinger engaged in a wide-ranging tax fraud scheme that flooded the IRS with fictitious financial instruments, including fraudulent checks,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Skinger attempted to take millions in refunds she had no right to receive. As we did in this case, the Department of Justice will continue to unmask fraudulent actors and swiftly bring them to justice.”According to court documents and statements made in court, Monika Skinger conspired with others to submit false individual and trust tax returns that claimed millions in refunds they were not entitled to receive. To induce the IRS to accept the false refund claims, Skinger personally submitted at least 16 fictitious financial instruments — such as checks, money orders, and payment vouchers — on behalf of herself and others. She also filed at least four false individual income tax returns for herself and at least two false trust tax returns. In total, Skinger sought $4.6 million in refunds from the IRS and received more than $1.2 million in fraudulent proceeds. Skinger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda Brailsford for the District of Idaho ordered Skinger to serve three years of supervised release and pay $303,672.44 in restitution to the United States.Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Bart Davis for the District of Idaho made the announcement.IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Updated September 11, 2026

Topic

Tax

Components

National Fraud Enforcement Division

USAO - Idaho

Press Release Number: 26-1045