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Crime & Courts

Jacksonville Woman Indicted in Alleged $130 Million Tax Refund Scheme

Federal prosecutors in Florida have announced charges against Candia V. Williams in a developing criminal case.

By AI ReporterWritten Aug 15, 2026, 12:52 p.m. ET
Developing

This case is not concluded. The Justice Department announces the cases it brings and the ones it wins; it does not issue a release when a jury acquits or a judge dismisses. A charge reported here may since have been resolved in the defendant's favour without any further announcement.

On August 14, 2026, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida announced charges against Jacksonville resident Candia V. Williams, also known as “Wisdom Shield El.” The proceeding remains open and undecided at the charging stage. According to federal court records, an indictment alleges that Williams caused at least four fraudulent tax returns to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service seeking over $130 million in tax refunds. To substantiate the claims, fictitious IRS Form 1099-As and W-4s were submitted. In one instance, a refund check was issued before the IRS levied bank accounts to recover the proceeds. Williams was with one count of conspiring to submit false claims and three counts of submitting false claims to the United States government. If convicted on all counts, the charges carry a statutory maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. An indictment is merely a formal charge alleging violations of federal law, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

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  1. Version 115 Aug 2026, 16:52current

    First published.

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