A Fresno man pleaded guilty Monday to filing fraudulent tax returns seeking business fuel tax credits, the Department of Justice announced Monday morning. 

Marice Curry, 35, pleaded guilty to filing fake federal income tax returns after submitting over 50 fraudulent returns in 2023 that claimed more than $1.5 million in refunds, according to the U.S. Attorney Eric Grant’s office. Court documents show that Curry claimed refundable fuel tax credits on behalf of multiple businesses to recover excise taxes paid on fuel that is used for off-highway purposes.

Court documents show that the false items in the tax returns were purchases for different types of fuels, ranging from regular gasoline, three claims of aviation gasoline and undyed diesel fuel. 

The IRS’ criminal investigation division led the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

Curry is set to be sentenced May 26 by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. He is facing a maximum statutory penalty of three years in prison and a $100,000 fine.