Ohioan pleads guilty to stealing IDs for tax docs

CINCINNATI (AP) — A southwest Ohio man accused of using identities of dead children and other people to falsify income tax returns has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft.

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Christopher Kyle Smith could face a two-year prison sentence and a potential $250,000 fine. A judge ordered a pre-sentence investigation.

The U.S. Attorney’s office says Smith pleaded guilty Tuesday to a single count.

Prosecutors say he filed false tax returns for refunds totaling about $40,000. Prosecutors say he used identities of people in other states, including those of dead children he claimed as dependents.

His attorney didn’t immediately return a call today.

The Butler County Jail has had Smith since early August under a contract with the U.S. marshals’ service.