Duluth woman charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office recently charged Jody Kay Vaughn-Bey, of Duluth, with 16 felony counts of filing false or fraudulent property tax returns. She’s also charged with one felony count of identity theft relating to the fraudulent property tax returns.

The complaint states that Ms. Vaughn-Bey stole the identities of 16 individuals, forged signatures, and falsified Certificates of Rent Paid (CRP) to file fraudulent property tax returns and get property tax refunds. The complaint states that the individuals listed on the returns had no knowledge of the filings and in many cases never resided at the addresses listed on the returns. The Revenue investigator contacted the rental companies listed on the CRPs and confirmed that the documents were not produced by them and that in several instances their signatures were forged. The complaint alleges that through these fraudulent filings, Ms. Vaughn-Bey claimed or tried to claim more than $36,000 in property tax refunds.

Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the department takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. There is a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects that a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws. Local callers may dial 651-297-5195 or call toll-free by dialing 1-800-657-3500. Tips can also be submitted to the department by email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. 

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