At the center of the alleged scheme was Lateisha Vanessa Kone, aka Vanessa Dickens, 35, who owned six franchised Liberty locations. Krone was indicted on a charge of with conspiracy to steal, as part of a scheme, over $100,000 from the State of Maryland; conspiracy to prepare false income tax returns, as well as 3 counts of preparing, assisting in preparing or causing to be prepared a false income tax return and claim for refunds.

Maryland said a typical return would show filers eligible for a combined $620 in federal and state credit. But more than $400, would go to the Liberty franchise for filing fees and other charges. That scheme was employed more than 1,100 times, the state alleged.

The other eight individuals were each charged with conspiracy to steal, as part of a scheme, over $100,000 from the State of Maryland and for conspiracy to prepare false income tax returns.

In addition, the others face the following charges:
Melinda Dawn Ireland, 36, Baltimore, and Sharron Nevada Lawson, 35, Baltimore, seven counts of preparing, assisting in preparing or causing to be prepared a false income tax return and claim for refund.

Azucar Janice Lee Johnson, 24, Baltimore; Marquea Mone Braxton, 35, Baltimore; four counts each of preparing, assisting in preparing or causing to be prepared a false income tax return and claim for refund.

Whitney Carole Hall, 30, Baltimore; two counts of preparing, assisting in preparing or causing to be prepared a false income tax return and claim for refund.

Miyarta Shenill Fraling-Gray, 29; Tiona Renee Davis, 33, Baltimore; and Krystal Marie Perez, aka Krystal Marie Trejo, 28, Baltimore; one count each of preparing, assisting in preparing or causing to be prepared a false income tax return and claim for refund.

The tax charges carry penalties of up to five years' imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine each. The theft charges have a maximum penalty of up to 25 years' incarceration and up to a $100,000 fine, plus restitution on each count.