Crime

Final Two of Ten VI Women in Massive Tax Fraud Scheme Sentenced

ST. CROIX — United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced Wednesday that Lynell Hughes, age 35, St. Croix and Nicolette Alexander, age 30, of St. Thomas were sentenced recently in federal court by Judge Wilma A. Lewis for their part in a 10- defendant tax fraud scheme to defraud the United States Government. On December 17, 2021, Hughes was sentenced to nine months incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for her part in a multi-defendant tax fraud scheme. Hughes also must pay restitution of $90,149.71 to the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.), which represents the amount of falsely claimed tax returns determined to be deposited into her bank accounts as a result of the scheme. She had pleaded guilty on August 18, 2018 to conspiracy to defraud the United States. On December 21, 2021, Alexander was sentenced to a term of three years of probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $17,537 to the I.R.S. Alexander pleaded guilty on May 14, 202...