Article By Taniya Gisel, Board Member / Writer at BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP 

In a significant legal development, a federal jury has found Dickenson Elan, a 40-year-old resident of Clearwater, guilty of participating in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. The conviction stems from Elan's involvement in a complex tax fraud operation, orchestrated in collaboration with co-conspirators Andi Jacques and Louisant Jolteus, as well as a deceased individual referred to as RICH4EVER4430. The trial revealed a sophisticated scheme spanning from January 2016 to April 2017, involving fraudulent tax businesses, identity theft, and a dark web marketplace. Elan now faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, with his sentencing hearing scheduled for February 7, 2024. 

The RICO Conspiracy:

The evidence presented during the trial established that Elan, along with Jacques and Jolteus, engaged in a RICO conspiracy, operating at least six fraudulent tax businesses. These businesses were instrumental in filing false tax returns under the names of thousands of unsuspecting victims. The modus operandi included registering with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) using stolen preparer tax identification numbers, creating a façade that the identity theft victims themselves were filing these bulk false returns.

Identity Theft and Dark Web Involvement:

The conspirators utilized personal identifiable information (PII) stolen from victims who had visited the tax businesses to file legitimate returns. Additionally, a dark web marketplace was exploited to purchase server credentials from Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and tax preparation firms nationwide. These credentials facilitated covert computer intrusions and the exfiltration of tax returns from thousands of clients. The stolen PII was then traced back to the fraudulent businesses operated by Elan and his co-conspirators.

Massive Attempted Financial Gain:

Throughout the 2016 and 2017 tax seasons, the conspirators sought to obtain over $16 million in false tax returns and preparers' fees from the IRS. The ill-gotten gains were directed to debit cards and bank accounts controlled by the perpetrators.

Sentencing and Maximum Penalty:

Dickenson Elan's sentencing is scheduled for February 7, 2024, where he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The conviction serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with engaging in complex financial fraud schemes.

The conviction of Dickenson Elan sheds light on the intricate nature of financial crimes, emphasizing the need for robust legal measures to combat such schemes. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement in unraveling this RICO conspiracy underscore the commitment to preserving the integrity of financial systems and protecting individuals from identity theft and fraudulent activities. As legal proceedings continue, this case serves as a warning to those who seek to exploit the financial system through sophisticated criminal enterprises.

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DATA SOURCE: Middle District of Florida | RICO Conspirator Convicted At Trial | United States Department of Justice