Man guilty in widespread fraud scheme

TYLER – A Pensacola, Florida, man has pleaded guilty in Tyler federal court in a sweeping fraud scheme that stretched into East Texas. According to a news release, Perry Lewis Crenshaw, Jr., 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and is the fifth indicted defendant to enter a guilty plea in the case. As quoted in the release, Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne said, “Mr. Crenshaw preyed on vulnerable elderly Americans by impersonating the IRS.” As part of his plea agreement, Crenshaw has agreed to pay restitution of $1,284,649 and forfeiture of $32,112.50. He also faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation.