Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsKingsport, TNNews

Kingsport Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Tax Fraud

A courtroom scene illustrating a tax fraud case.

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News Summary

Aylissa Glidewell, a 35-year-old from Kingsport, Tennessee, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges for filing fraudulent COVID-19 tax credit claims. She faces up to 20 years in prison for her role in submitting false returns to claim over $3.4 million in refunds, directly receiving approximately $1.8 million from the IRS. Glidewell’s actions raise serious concerns about fraud in government assistance programs during crises, reflecting the need for vigilance against such schemes.

Kingsport Woman Busted in COVID-19 Tax Credit Fraud Scheme

In the heart of Kingsport, Tennessee, a 35-year-old woman named Aylissa Glidewell has found herself in a heap of trouble after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud. This shocking admission came during a court appearance on March 12, 2025, in the U.S. District Court located in Greeneville, Tennessee. With a crime of this magnitude, she now faces a daunting maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The Scheme Unraveled

Glidewell’s crime was no small potatoes. It revolved around a fraudulent plot to secure COVID-19 employment tax credit refunds. Are you curious about how it all went down? Well, Glidewell and a group of accomplices cooked up some false claims, submitting phony tax returns. They were after those coveted refunds tied to the employee retention credit (ERC) and the paid sick and family leave credit. These credits were initially designed by Congress to help struggling businesses during the chaotic times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But instead of helping businesses in need, Glidewell and her team decided to play the system. They created fake businesses—yes, you read that right—businesses that didn’t have any employees or operations at all! This little trick was solely to fleece the government and claim those juicy tax credits.

The Numbers Add Up

The scale of Glidewell’s operation is truly jaw-dropping. Reportedly, she filed multiple false tax returns under these fictitious businesses, raking in a staggering total of more than $3.4 million in refunds. To put it into perspective, the IRS actually paid out around $1.8 million directly to Glidewell from these fraudulent claims before the whole scheme came crashing down.

The Legal Road Ahead

As the consequences of her actions loom large, Glidewell’s sentencing hearing is set for July 9, 2025. With a potential two-decade prison term hanging in the balance, one can’t help but ponder how things spiraled so out of control. It raises questions not just about her decisions, but also about how the system can be abused during times of crisis.

In a world where so many businesses struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic, it’s disheartening to see people take advantage of programs meant to provide relief. Glidewell’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go for quick gains, even if it means breaking the law.

A Lesson Learned?

This story doesn’t just stop with Glidewell. It opens up discussions on the importance of vigilance against fraud, especially when government assistance programs are involved. It’s a call to everyone about the necessity of keeping a watchful eye and ensuring that help reaches those who genuinely need it, rather than falling into the hands of those eager to exploit the system.

As the community of Kingsport reflects on this unsettling situation, many hope that it will serve as a reminder to remain honest and straightforward, especially in times of uncertainty. The upcoming sentencing hearing will undoubtedly be a focal point for many as they watch the legal process unfold and see justice served in what has become a cautionary tale of fraud in the age of COVID.