Lithonia Woman Catherine Griffin Sentenced for IRS Computer Fraud

ATLANTA, Ga. - A Lithonia woman is heading to prison for giving away thousands of dollars in tax credits that were intended for first-time homebuyers. Govement prosecutors say the woman, Catherine Griffin, worked for the IRS, and she created fraudulent retus for her family and friends.

Griffin pleaded guilty to the charge of computer fraud on March 24. Authorities say Griffin gave the credits to family and friends who were not eligible to receive them, and who had not purchased homes during the eligible time period.

According to federal authorities, Griffin worked as a seasonal employee for the IRS in Chamblee from July – November 2009. They say she processed amended tax retus filed by taxpayers, and she also had access to the IRS computer system.

Authorities said evidence showed that Griffin altered tax information for approximately four people in exchange for a $2,000 kickback.

On Thursday, Griffin was sentenced to more than nine months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. She was ordered to repay the govement more than $40,000.