Four individuals in Southern California are facing charges for allegedly defrauding the government of $93 million through a large-scale COVID-related tax fraud scheme, marking it as the largest known COVID-related fraud scheme in the U.S., according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The Suspects
The individuals charged in the scheme were identified as:
- Kristerpher Turner, aka “Kris Turner,” “Red,” “Red Boy,” and “Bullet,” 52, of Harbor City
- Toriano Knox, aka “Scooby” and “Dwight,” 55, of Los Angeles
- Kenya Jones, aka “Kenya Emua Jones” and “Kenya Hunt,” 46, of Compton
- Joyce Johnson, aka “Ms. Jay,” 55, of Victorville
The fraudulent activities allegedly took place from June 2020 to December 2024. Turner, Knox, Jones, and Johnson, along with their co-conspirators, submitted fraudulent tax forms for at least 148 companies, according to authorities.
The Scheme
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress authorized tax credits, including sick and family wage credits, to help small businesses recover financially.
These tax credits, known as Coronavirus Response Credits, were intended to reimburse businesses for wages paid to employees who couldn’t work due to the pandemic.
The suspects allegedly exploited this program by submitting fraudulent forms to claim those credits, sometimes on behalf of non-existent companies and other times using the personal identifying information of people they recruited to the scheme.
Court documents revealed that Turner would manage recruiters, including Knox and Jones, to recruit clients for the fraud.
These clients provided their personal information to create fake businesses and file fraudulent tax claims, including using pre-existing businesses that were ineligible for the credits.
The group would then receive checks in the mail, which were deposited into bank accounts opened under false business names. Turner reportedly collected 20% to 40% of the amount each person received.
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The Extent of the Fraud
Through this elaborate scheme, the suspects attempted to claim over $247 million in tax refunds, successfully stealing about $93 million through IRS-issued checks.
As the scheme unraveled, the suspects learned that IRS officials were investigating their actions. In response, on Aug. 29, 2023, Knox, Jones, and other unidentified suspects attempted to kill Turner to prevent him from speaking to law enforcement.
Turner was shot multiple times at an office park in Gardena, California. He survived the attack but remains paralyzed from the injuries.
The Charges
On June 11, 2025, Turner, Knox, Jones, and Johnson were charged with mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, and conspiracy to submit false claims. Knox and Jones face additional charges of attempted murder and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime.
If convicted, all four suspects could face up to 20 years in prison on each mail fraud charge. Knox and Jones could face life imprisonment for the firearm charge and 30 years for the attempted murder charge.
Investigation
The FBI, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division were involved in investigating the fraud scheme, which led to the charges.
What Do You Think?
This case highlights how large-scale fraud schemes can impact the economy and the justice system. What are your thoughts on this shocking tax fraud operation and the actions of these individuals?
Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
For more updates and discussions on fraud prevention and related news, visit our website at RidgecrestPact.org. Stay informed and keep your community safe!
