SUMMARY: Renata Walton, a now-indicted tax preparer, allegedly orchestrated a $65 million COVID relief scheme. Posing as a tax expert, she and co-conspirator Nicole Jones targeted small business owners, promising access to grant money in exchange for preparing fraudulent tax forms claiming inflated employee retention credits. This resulted in businesses receiving U.S. Treasury checks totaling over $100,000 based on false information. Despite being warned about a federal investigation, Walton continued her fraudulent activities, attempting to cover up her actions by providing clients with misleading letters for the IRS. The indictment includes charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and money laundering.

Two Mid-South tax preparers are facing more than 50 federal charges after allegedly using COVID-19 relief fraud scheme to defraud the federal government. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/two-mid-south-women-indicted-for-a-65-million-covid-relief-scheme/article_79a16b7e-ac44-11ef-bde9-939aa7d79cc8.html

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SUMMARY: A confirmed member of a Venezuelan gang, Delvis Rodriguez Carmona, was arrested in Tennessee during a human trafficking bust, as reported by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). This arrest follows another involving Luis Alejandro Ruiz Gooy in Memphis, highlighting the growing trend of Venezuelan gang activity in the U.S. Expert Wesley Tabers, a former Drug Enforcement Administration official, warns that the Trend Aragua gang is expanding rapidly, posing significant threats through violence and criminal operations. He emphasizes the need for improved tracking of individuals entering the country to combat gang activities effectively.

A confirmed member of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA) was arrested in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Adelvis Rodriguez-Carmona was one of four arrested in a human trafficking bust in Chattanooga. Just days earlier, FOX13 broke the news that ICE arrested another Venezuelan gang member in Memphis. Luis Alejandro Ruiz-Godoy is being held in Louisiana while he awaits deportation.

Both arrests followed the announcement earlier this month by the head of the TBI that the gang is operating in all Tennessee’s major cities. The TBI had previously announced one arrest in Middle Tennessee related to the gang. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/tren-de-aragua-expert-shares-details-on-venezuelan-gang-after-recent-arrests/article_0875dcaa-ab9f-11ef-9098-7bd253e2b028.html

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SUMMARY: Aiv Brook, a 21-year-old locksmith, was shot and killed in South Memphis while responding to a late-night job. His family believes he was lured into a trap and is seeking federal involvement, suspecting a targeted attack due to his Israeli heritage. Brook was shot four times, and his Israeli passport was reportedly taken. While Memphis Police state there’s no evidence of a hate crime, they are continuing their investigation. Ross Flick, executive director of Bayar Us, advocates for accountability and justice for Brook’s family, highlighting the tragic loss of a young life amidst rising concerns about violence.

A man was shot and killed in South Memphis while doing his job, and police say his killer is still on the loose. READ MORE: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/family-of-israeli-man-shot-to-death-in-south-memphis-claims-he-was-targeted/article_42024b46-a8db-11ef-9e19-2325d97e305f.html

ABOUT FOX13 MEMPHIS:
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