Middle Georgia Tax Preparer Sentenced

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Jackie Elvine, a/k/a Jackie Young, 39, of Jeffersonville, Georgia, was sentenced on August 13, 2014 to serve 5 years (63 months) in prison for health care fraud, aiding in the preparation of a false tax return and false claims against the Government.  The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, United States District Court Judge, in Macon, Georgia.  The Court also ordered Ms. Elvine to pay restitution in the amount of $372,008.88.

Ms. Elvine entered her plea of guilty to the charges on January 17, 2014.  As a part of her plea, Ms. Elvine admitted that she established Young’s Financial Billing Service in Jeffersonville, Georgia in 2008 as a tax return preparation service.  From 2008 to 2010, Ms. Elvine prepared and submitted hundreds of false tax returns.  At least 61 of the returns included fraudulent tax credits for first time home buyers.  The total amount of those claims was $283,683.00.  Also claimed were numerous tax credits for higher education costs that Ms. Elvine knew were not legitimate. 

Ms. Elvine also defrauded AFLAC by filing false health care claims.  The amount of loss sustained by AFLAC was $147,483.56.  In addition, Ms. Elvine diverted healthcare refunds from her employer, National Reimbursement Group, into her own personal account. The loss to National Reimbursement Group was $118,446.84.       

“For years, Ms. Elvine made up and filed phony figures to steal from the Government and these insurance companies.  At least for the next five years, the only numbers she will be dealing with will be the ones in her federal inmate identification number.  The message in the prison sentence today is simple. These schemes will not keep you out of the poorhouse; they’ll put you in the jailhouse,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.

"The prison time received by Ms. Elvine should serve as a strong warning that tough punishment awaits those who embark on a similar criminal path," stated Veronica F.  Hyman-Pillot, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation.  "As the defendant in this case has learned, stealing from the American people will not be tolerated and you will be held accountable."

“Elvine, not content with cheating on hundreds of tax returns, started stealing critically needed healthcare dollars,” said Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Atlanta.  “OIG along with our law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue thieves who believe government programs exist to fatten their pockets.” 

Staci Guest, Director of the Georgia Department of Revenue - Office of Special Investigations, stated: “Jackie Elvine’s sentence shows how serious the State of Georgia is at finding individuals who erode public trust and confidence. The Georgia Department of Revenue will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement officials to combat individuals who commit fraud. “

The case originated from an investigation initiated by the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office. 
Other agencies responsible for the investigation were the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Georgia Department of Revenue – Office of Special Investigations   Assistant United States Attorney Graham Thorpe is handling the prosecution for the Government.

Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.