Houston, TX — Five Houston-area residents have been charged in a 33-count federal indictment alleging a scheme involving a counterfeit U.S. Treasury tax refund check worth more than $1.05 million, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Those charged are:
• Torik M. Blade, 39, of Missouri City
• Kendra L. Folkes, 37, of Katy
• Rickelle D. Taylor, 38, of Spring
• Raven N. Morris, 34, of Houston
• Stephen G. James, 42, of Houston
Federal prosecutors said a grand jury returned the indictment July 22, charging the defendants with various counts of passing a counterfeit Treasury check, bank fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.
According to the indictment, Blade allegedly allowed an unidentified individual to deposit a counterfeit Treasury tax refund check for $1,052,615.97 into his business account.
Prosecutors allege Blade and the others then attempted to obtain the proceeds through cashier’s checks, transfers between financial institutions and cash withdrawals.
If convicted, the defendants could face significant federal prison terms and fines depending on the charges. Blade, for example, faces potential maximum penalties of up to 30 years in prison on each bank fraud count, along with additional penalties on the other charges.
The investigation was conducted by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service.
Charges are allegations, and all five defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.