United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

FORMER TORRINGTON RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX FRAUD

Kevin J. O’Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KIMBERLY MARTELLO, 36, of Thomasville, Georgia, formerly of Torrington, Connecticut, pleaded guilty today before Senior United States District Peter C. Dorsey in New Haven to one count of filing a fraudulent income tax return and fictitious W-2 wage and tax statement for tax year 2003.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, MARTELLO electronically filed 23 false income tax returns, fabricated false W-2 wage and tax statements, and claimed false tax refunds for tax years 2002, 2003, and 2004.  MARTELLO filed these false returns and claims for refunds in the names of family members, friends, and associates without their authorization, and directed the Internal Revenue Service to pay the refunds directly to her.  Four of the false refund claims were filed on behalf of two persons under MARTELLO’s care while she was employed as a healthcare worker for the mentally challenged.

The total amount falsely claimed by MARTELLO was $48,591.  As a result of this fraudulent scheme, MARTELLO received $9,608, which she is required to pay back to the IRS.

Senior Judge Dorsey has scheduled sentencing for January 25, 2008, at which time MARTELLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Harold H. Chen.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov