Judge delays sentence until woman's baby is born

Jacksonville judge, prosecutors agree to delaying woman's prison sentence until baby is born

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Published On: Nov 27 2012 08:04:19 AM EST

ORANGE PARK, Fla. (AP) — Officials have agreed to delay a pregnant woman's prison sentence until her baby is born.

The Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/WhP1x2 ) reports Shatraya Anatricia Watson is due to give birth Jan. 20. U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton and prosecutors agreed Monday to let Watson report to jail on March 1 to serve an 18-month prison sentence for her part in a scheme that generated millions in false income tax returns.

The newspaper reports Watson and six others used stolen identities to file 880 bogus returns. According to court documents, Watson is required to make restitution for the $425,000 she helped steal.

About 25 people showed up in court to support Watson, including her fiance and a pastor.

Tax scheme ringleader Bryan Copeland was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

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Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com

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