A Fresno man was sentenced Monday to three years in federal prison for filing more than 50 fraudulent tax returns seeking over $1.5 million in improper refunds, federal prosecutors said.

Marice Curry, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston for filing false federal income tax returns, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced Tuesday.

According to court records, Curry filed the fraudulent returns in 2023 on behalf of various businesses. Prosecutors said Curry falsely claimed refundable fuel tax credits intended to reimburse businesses for excise taxes paid on fuel used for legitimate off-highway purposes, including farming and fishing.

Curry knew the businesses were not entitled to the credits, according to court records.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Curry’s scheme and the impact it had on the federal tax system,” Grant said. “Fraudulent refund claims drain taxpayer dollars and undermine the integrity of programs designed to support legitimate businesses.”

IRS Criminal Investigation San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe said Curry’s fraud involved more than 50 false returns and over $1.5 million in improper refund claims.

“The scope of Marice Curry’s fraud, involving more than fifty false tax returns and over 1.5 million dollars in improper refund claims, represents a serious breach of trust in our tax system as reflected by today’s sentencing,” Lowe said.

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