Additional victims should contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury
PHOENIX – LAWFUEL – A federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment against Marco A. Ibarra, 52, of Phoenix, for the charge of Impersonation of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Agent. Ibarra was arrested on March 20, 2008, and appeared this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate David K. Duncan for his initial appearance. Ibarra was released from custody pending further judicial proceedings.
The indictment alleges that on or about August 9, 2006, Ibarra, using the name Ben Carranza, confronted a family residing in Buckeye, Ariz. and falsely told them that he was an IRS agent. Furthermore, the indictment alleges that while pretending to be an IRS agent, Ibarra received money from the family.
The investigation is ongoing and the public’s assistance is requested by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Inspector General for Tax Administration. Anyone with information regarding Ibarra, or anyone who believes they are a victim of his impersonation scheme, should contact Special Agent Bruce A. Mason at 602-207-8304.
An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution of this matter is being handled by Fred Battista, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR 08-138-PHX-SRB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-067(Ibarra)
