Former IRS Employee Indicted for Attempting to Steal Over $2M from Government and ExxonMobil

Rodney Quinn Rupe, 46, from Syracuse, Utah, has been indicted for allegedly attempting to steal over $2 million in tax credits from the government and ExxonMobil. Rupe remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The scheme, which spanned from July 2021 to March 2024, involved Rupe allegedly abusing his IRS account management access to divert tax credits owed to ExxonMobil to his entity, Ex Xo Exteriors Ltd.

According to the indictment, Rupe assigned Ex Xo Exteriors Ltd. a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) in July 2021.

He then allegedly diverted tax credits and transferred funds between tax years, resulting in a $2,100,377.38 refund as a U.S. Treasury check. In January 2024, Rupe allegedly attempted to deposit the check at multiple America First Credit Union locations.

Rupe faces charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and theft of government property. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 3, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.

The Internal Revenue Service Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stewart M. Young of the District of Utah will prosecute the case.

It is important to note that an indictment is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, Rupe could face significant prison time and fines for his alleged crimes.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of government institutions and the consequences of abusing positions of trust for personal gain.

The IRS and the Department of Justice remain committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals who attempt to defraud the government and taxpayers.