Tampa tax fraudster sentenced to 5 years

TAMPA - James Early Smiley, 41, was sentenced to five years and one month in federal prison and a forfeiture money judgment of $98,719.65, for committing stolen identity tax refund fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida.

On March 6, Smiley pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft.

In October 2012, Smiley was stopped by the Tampa Police Department. Several Turbo Tax Visa debit cards and receipts not in Smiley's name were found in his possession.