Tax preparer sentenced to 18 months for $44,000 insurance fraud scheme
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A Berkeley County tax preparer was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for wire fraud after using clients’ personal information to open unauthorized insurance policies, federal officials announced.
Amanda Gorham, 34, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, carried out the scheme while working simultaneously as a tax preparer in Martinsburg and an insurance agent at a separate firm, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Federal prosecutors said Gorham used the identifying information of tax clients to open insurance policies without their knowledge or permission. The scheme allowed Gorham to collect $44,582.52 in commissions and bonuses.
In addition to her prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh ordered Gorham to pay a money judgment of $44,582.52.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service and the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner Office of Inspector General Special Investigative Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.