Local rapper, tax preparer busted for filing 24 false claims

CINCINNATI - Sylver Gunn, a local rapper also known as "Sylver Karatz", was busted for filing 24 false claims for tax returns and for theft of government funds.

Judge Herman Weber ordered Gunn to pay $100, 287 in restitution to the IRS and $18, 299 to the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority. The judge also sentenced Gunn to five years probation, 21 months of which will be served in home confinement.

Gunn pleaded guilty to the charges on April 4.

Records show Gunn filed 24 false claims based on fraudulent federal income tax returns filed with the IRS between January of 2009 and February 2010.

Police say she recruited people she knew to file fraudulent returns for them. She used W-2 forms and Schedule C business information with false income amounts so her clients would qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit. Gunn would split the amount from the claims with her clients, according to court documents.

Gunn also received public assistance beginning in 2005. However, she failed to fully disclose her income to the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority between April 2008 and December 2010. Documents show Gunn embezzled $18,299 in government funds.