# Tolland Sex Assault Defendant Now Facing Federal Tax Fraud Charges
A Tolland resident already locked up on serious sexual assault charges is now facing new federal tax fraud and wire fraud accusations. George Davis Telford, 36, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in New Haven on several counts tied to fraudulent tax refund schemes and unemployment benefit fraud.
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These new charges pile on top of his existing legal problems, which include sexual assault allegations involving a minor.
Federal Tax Fraud Scheme Uncovered
The federal indictment says Telford tried to scam the Internal Revenue Service with a web of fake trust entities. Prosecutors allege he used these entities to file bogus tax returns, chasing millions in refunds he didn’t deserve.
Millions in Fraudulent Refund Claims
Prosecutors say Telford’s scheme was both bold and, to some extent, effective. Between 2019 and 2020, he allegedly filed five false federal tax returns seeking about $6.2 million in refunds.
Most of his attempts reportedly failed, but Telford did manage to get $564,758 from the IRS for a 2018 return using something called the “Telford Asset Family Trust.”
This kind of tax fraud seems to be popping up more often in Connecticut, from Hartford to New Haven. Tax authorities in places like Stamford and Greenwich have seen similar cases lately.
Unemployment Fraud Allegations
The indictment also accuses Telford of unemployment benefit fraud against the Connecticut Department of Labor. Investigators say he kept up these fraudulent activities even while facing other major legal trouble.
Fictitious Business and Employees
In 2022 and 2023, Telford allegedly filed fake unemployment claims through a company he claimed to run, “High Class Grads LLC.”
These phony filings led to $48,792 in unemployment benefits being wrongly paid out. Labor departments across Connecticut, from Waterbury to Manchester, have been struggling with similar scams, and it’s clearly taking a toll on their resources.
Serious Sexual Assault Charges
Meanwhile, Telford remains in custody on a $1 million bond for multiple sexual assault offenses. State police from the Eastern District Major Crime Squad arrested him on July 21, 2023, after an investigation.
Allegations Involving a Minor
The sexual assault case includes first-degree sexual assault, several counts of second- and third-degree sexual assault, illegal sexual contact with a minor under 16, and risk of injury to a child. The alleged victim is said to be 14 years old.
Telford also faces charges of criminal impersonation and interfering with police in connection with this case.
Law enforcement across Connecticut, from Danbury to Norwich, say they’re putting a high priority on investigating crimes against minors. It’s a constant concern in these communities.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
The federal charges against Telford could mean some serious trouble if he’s convicted. Each of the five counts of making and subscribing a false tax return comes with up to three years in prison.
Then there are the three counts of wire fraud. Those could bring up to 20 years each.
Telford has a court date on August 8 for the sexual assault case. The tax and fraud charges are on a different legal track.
Those federal proceedings will probably happen at the New Haven federal courthouse.
People all over Tolland County—and even in Glastonbury—are talking about the case. Local media coverage has kept it in the spotlight.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement in Connecticut worked together on the investigation. It’s not every day you see that kind of cooperation, honestly.
Here is the source article for this story: Tolland Sex Assault Defendant Now Facing Federal Tax And Fraud Charges
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