MACON, Georgia, Feb. 6 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia posted the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:

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Final Defendant Pleads Guilty in $17 Million Pandemic Fraud Scheme

Columbus Men Filed Fraudulent COVID Tax Credits for Themselves, Others

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COLUMBUS, Ga. - The last remaining defendant in a pandemic-related tax fraud investigation costing U.S. taxpayers millions has pleaded guilty.