SALEM, Ore. - Authorities arrested 25-year-old Krystle Marie Reyes Wednesday in what police are calling one of the greatest tax scams in the state's history. Reyes received $2 million from the state of Oregon after filing for a false tax returns.
She has been booked for the Marion County Jail. She is being charged with aggravated theft and computer crimes, according to a probable cause affidavit as reported by The Oregonian.
Reyes reported $3 million in wages and claimed a refund of $2.1 million by using the TurboTax, a tax preparation software, which was ultimately approved by the State. She was then sent a Visa debit card that contained the full refundable amount.
Derrick Gasperini, Department of Revenue spokesman, refused to comment before the arraignment, which will take place later today.
According to reports, Reyes reported the second debit card stolen, which triggered the card issuer's suspicions. She was arrested Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Justice.
The Oregon reports that the Department of Revenue has been under a lot of scrutiny since the case broke out. Co-chair of the House Revenue Committee, Republican Vicki Berger, said of the department: "They've got some explaining to do to restore the confidence of Oregonians," as reported by The Oregon.
The agency has not had a permanent director for over a year. Last month the governor John Kitzhaber appointed James Bucholz as Director of the department.
