Billings woman admits to false tax returns using dead people’s information

BILLINGS- A Billings woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to using the names and social security numbers of dead people to file false tax returns.

Shannon Grimm, 41, filed 90 false tax returns between February 2007 and March 2008, intending to fraud the IRS of more than $400, 000.

Grimm found the information online from the Social Security Death Index.

Following a plea agreement, Grimm admitted guilt to Wire Fraud and False Claim. Six other charges against her were dismissed.

Grimm faces a maximum penalty of 20 yeas in prison and a $250,000 dollar fine. She must also pay back the IRS the defrauded money.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 19th before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull.