An Illinois woman has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after admitting her role in a tax fraud conspiracy in which she sought $4.6 million in refunds from the IRS.
Monika Skinger, of Chicago, worked with others to submit false individual and trust tax returns claiming refunds they were not entitled to receive. She also submitted fictitious financial instruments designed to make it appear that money had already been paid to the government.
Skinger received more than $1.2 million in fraudulent proceeds before pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to the Justice Department.
U.S. District Judge Amanda Brailsford in Idaho also ordered Skinger to serve three years of supervised release and pay $303,672.44 in restitution to the United States. IRS Criminal Investigation handled the investigation.
Skinger Submitted at Least 16 Fictitious Financial Instruments
According to court documents and statements made in court, Skinger personally submitted at least 16 fictitious financial instruments on behalf of herself and others. The documents included checks, money orders and payment vouchers.
The instruments were submitted to the IRS to support false refund claims by making it appear that taxes had already been paid and could therefore be refunded. Skinger also filed at least four false individual income tax returns for herself and at least two false trust tax returns.
In total, prosecutors said Skinger sought $4.6 million in refunds and received more than $1.2 million in fraudulent proceeds.
The Broader Case Alleges More Than $57 Million in Refund Claims
Skinger was initially charged in 2025 as part of a federal case involving false individual and trust tax returns and fictitious financial instruments submitted to the IRS.
The investigation later expanded. A superseding indictment unsealed in September 2026 names seven defendants and alleges that participants worked together during 2023 and 2024 to seek more than $57 million in fraudulent refunds.
Prosecutors allege that the participants submitted more than 100 fictitious financial instruments and ultimately received more than $8 million from the IRS. The superseding case names Andrea and Kent Shannon of Idaho, Skinger, Sherita Chandler of Florida, Saule Moshkanova and Stacey Rice of California, and Tiffany Nichols of Georgia.
Skinger’s conduct is no longer merely an allegation because she pleaded guilty. The charges against defendants who have not pleaded guilty or been convicted remain allegations, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The Shannons Face Additional Fraud Charges
The charges are not identical for everyone named in the broader case. Andrea and Kent Shannon face additional counts of wire fraud and making false claims to the United States.
Kent Shannon also faces a money laundering charge. Prosecutors previously alleged that Andrea and Kent Shannon used part of the fraudulent refunds they received to purchase personal property, including a $90,000 Cadillac Escalade and a $144,000 GMC Sierra 3500.
Skinger’s guilty plea and 27-month prison sentence apply to her own conduct and do not determine the outcome of the charges involving the other defendants.
Taxpayers Can Watch for Warning Signs Before a Return Is Filed
The IRS reminds taxpayers that they remain responsible for the information on their federal tax returns even when someone else prepares and files the return for them.
Among the warning signs identified by the agency are preparers who promise unusually large refunds, base their fees on a percentage of the refund or refuse to sign a return. Anyone paid to prepare federal tax returns must have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number and include it on returns they prepare.
The IRS also advises taxpayers never to sign a blank or incomplete return. Before signing, taxpayers should review the completed return, question anything that appears unfamiliar or incorrect and check the routing and bank account numbers to make sure any refund is going to the correct account rather than an account controlled by the preparer.
Taxpayers who suspect misconduct can use the IRS tax return preparer complaint process. The agency advises people making a report to have their tax return and related documents available and to provide specific, credible information about what occurred.