Feds Bust $93 Million COVID-19 Tax Fraud Ring — Alleged Attempted Murder Tied to Cover-Up

It started as a pandemic payday. It ended with gunfire.

Pandemic fraud stories aren’t new — but this one’s got everything: big money, betrayal, and bullets.

Federal prosecutors say four California residents just got caught running the largest COVID-19 tax fraud scheme ever charged — a $93 million con that spiraled into an alleged attempted murder.

Meet the cast:

• Kristerpher Turner, 52, Los Angeles — accused mastermind.

• Toriano Knox, 55, Los Angeles — recruiter turned alleged shooter.

• Kenya Jones, 46, Compton — recruiter turned alleged shooter.

• Joyce Johnson, 55, Victorville — accused co-conspirator.

The scam was simple but bold. Turner allegedly figured out how to milk pandemic relief programs meant for struggling businesses. Recruiters — including Knox and Jones — would bring in “clients”: friends, family, romantic partners. Some had real businesses, others were completely made up.

The clients would hand over their personal details. Turner’s crew would then file bogus tax forms claiming big payroll expenses, and the IRS would cut a fat refund check. The “clients” cashed the checks, kept a slice, and handed 20% to 40% back to Turner and friends.

From June 2020 through December 2024, prosecutors say they filed fraudulent claims for at least 148 companies, pocketing over $93 million.

Then came the twist worthy of a crime drama. By summer 2023, word got out that the IRS was asking questions. According to prosecutors, Knox and Jones weren’t about to let Turner talk. They allegedly lured him to an office park in Gardena and shot him multiple times. Turner survived — but is now paralyzed.

All four now face federal fraud charges carrying up to 20 years in prison each. Knox and Jones are also staring down life sentences for attempted murder.