WASHINGTON (AP) - A Washington barbershop owner has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for his role in an identity theft and tax fraud scheme that falsely sought more than $20 million in refunds.
Kevin Brown of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty in 2013 and was sentenced Tuesday. Prosecutors said in a statement that Brown participated in a “massive” scheme involving more than 130 people. Prosecutors say that Brown, the owner of the “Classic Kutz” barbershop, was a leader of the scheme. Prosecutors say he and co-conspirators fraudulently claimed refunds, often in the names of people whose identities had been stolen including the elderly, drug addicts and prisoners.
Brown has also been ordered to pay more than $4.5 million in restitution.
His attorney Brian McDaniel says Brown is glad to have the case concluded and knows what he has to do moving forward.
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