Four Arrested in Nation’s Largest Known COVID Tax Credit Fraud
Two Also Charged with Shooting Scheme’s Ringleader
Federal authorities arrested four California residents in connection with a $93 million COVID-19 tax credit fraud scheme—the nation’s largest known, according to the FBI. A Los Angeles federal grand jury indicted Kristerpher Turner, 52, of Harbor City; Toriano Knox, 55, of Los Angeles; Kenya Jones, 46, of Compton; and Joyce Johnson, 55, of Victorville on conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to submit false claims. Knox and Jones face additional charges for shooting Turner and firearms violations.
Turner operated the scheme from June 2020 through December 2024, directing Knox, Jones, and Johnson to recruit clients through personal networks, including family and romantic partners. The conspirators submitted fraudulent Coronavirus Response Credit applications for 148 companies—many nonexistent—claiming $247.9 million in tax refunds for wages never paid to employees affected by COVID-19.
Turner collected 20-40 percent of fraudulent proceeds as kickbacks through cashier’s checks, money transfers, and cash payments. The IRS issued approximately $93 million in Treasury checks based on the false filings.
On August 29, 2023, Knox, Jones, and others shot Turner multiple times in broad daylight at a Gardena office park to prevent him from cooperating with federal investigators. Turner survived but remains paralyzed.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The defendants face maximum sentences of 20 years per mail fraud charge. Knox and Jones could face up to life imprisonment for the firearm charge and 30 years for attempted murder. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Reidy, Haoxiaohan Cai, and Kevin J. Butler are prosecuting.
Source: FBI