Authorities claim that a Broward tax preparer defrauded elderly people and others by opening credit card accounts using their personal information, and he is now facing hundreds of charges.
According to jail records, Ricardo Karns, 38, was taken into custody by the Broward Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday on 41 charges, including grand theft, organized plot to deceive, money laundering, and unlawful use of personal identification.
At least 21 people, including 19 seniors, were defrauded by Karns through his tax preparation firm, according to the office of Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody.
According to investigators, Karns created credit card accounts in the victims’ names using their personal information, then used the cards at his company to give the impression that the victims had paid for tax preparation services.
According to officials, he subsequently moved the money or took it out in cash. He allegedly used the cards at associates’ businesses as well.
“This tax preparer stole personal information to defraud Florida seniors. He tried to launder his ill-gotten gains, funneling the stolen funds through his tax business — where he spent countless hours executing his illegal scheme,” Moody stated. “Now, my Statewide Prosecutors will make sure he pays for his crimes with an extended stay at a taxpayer-funded facility.”
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According to jail records, Karns was being held in Broward from Palm Beach on an out-of-county hold. No information about attorneys was provided.
