Indy lady despatched to jail for fraudulent tax preparation enterprise | Merrillville

HAMMOND — An Indianapolis woman who joined a scheme to defraud the government with phony income tax returns is going to prison.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Jon E. DeGuilio on Wednesday afternoon sentenced 35-year-old LaTonya R. Foxx to 10-18 months.

Foxx pleaded guilty Aug. 24 to a felony count of wire fraud under an agreement with the U.S. attorney’s office in which she gave up her right to a jury trial in return for a more lenient prison term.

Foxx admitted she and her co-defendants, Tanisha L. Bledsoe, of Chicago Heights, and Yvonna A. Lee, of Merrillville, cheated the U.S. Treasury by preparing tax returns that generated unwarranted tax refunds.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Chang stated in an earlier memo to the court the scheme lured clients in Illinois and Indiana with the promise of large refunds.

Lee was the recruiter who found clients and obtained their personal identifying information needed to file tax returns.

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Lee gave the information to Foxx and Bledsoe who then filed the tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.

Foxx prepared hundreds of tax returns between 2013 and 2015 on her personal computer, generating inflated tax refunds by misapplying education credits to lower the taxes her clients should have paid.

The defendants hid their involvement by failing to identify themselves on the tax returns as the preparers.

Foxx was receiving as much as $700 for each illegal return from her clients.

The government alleged the trio’s activities not only cheated the U.S. Treasury out of tax revenues, but also legitimate tax preparation firms out of customers they deserved.

Defense attorney Gregory T. Mitchell said Foxx was the least culpable of the three defendants.

He said she didn’t completely understand the seriousness of what she was doing initially, and the other two defendants misled Foxx about their own fraudulent activities.

A federal grand jury indicted Bledsoe, Lee and Foxx in 2018. Lee and Bledsoe pleaded guilty in 2020. They are still awaiting sentencing.

Foxx has agreed to pay the government $1.2 million in restitution, but the judge said he will issue a ruling with 90 days on what her share of the restitution should be.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail

Travis Walker

Age: 36

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201427

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Brian Stewart

Age: 51

Residence: Hammond, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201429

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Eugene Talavera

Age: 30

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201431

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A FELON

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Juan Valadez

Age: 32

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201425

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY – AGGRAVATED – STRANGULATION

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Rhonda Smith

Age: 62

Residence: Fair Oaks, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201441

Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Donche Larkins

Age: 24

Residence: Harvey, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201428 

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: ROBBERY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Johnny Lopez Jr.

Age: 35

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201436

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: Hold for Out of State Agencies

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Edward Morrison

Age: 57

Residence: Munster, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201447

Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Mitchell Scott Jr.

Age: 42

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201435

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: BURGLARY; BATTERY – AGGRAVATED – W/INJURY

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Victor Foglio

Age: 35

Residence: N/A

Booking Number(s): 2201432

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: RESISTING – ESCAPE; POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE; FRAUD – DECEPTION – IDENTITY

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Diamond Johnson

Age: 30

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201442

Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Kerry Brazley

Age: 50

Residence: Hobart, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201426

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT – PROPERTY – SIMPLE – $750 TO $50,000

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jordan Brewer

Age: 27

Residence: Merrillville, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201439

Arrest Date: Feb. 26, 2022

Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Shawn Booker

Age: 31

Residence: Merrillville, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201420

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: BURGLARY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Chanell Varnado

Age: 46

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201408

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A FELON – W/PRIOR

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Rollen Smith

Age: 28

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201412

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: INTIMIDATION – STALKING VIOLATIONS

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Michael Staadt

Age: 50

Residence: Monticello, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201416

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Peter Madden

Age: 44

Residence: Indianapolis, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201400

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Kerry Marcon

Age: 63

Residence: Highland, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201403

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY – AGGRAVATED – SERIOUS BODILY INJURY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Kristopher Martin

Age: 28

Residence: Valparaiso, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201413

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Heather Lozano

Age: 43

Residence: Crown Point, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201417

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Ryan Herrera

Age: 44

Residence: Whiting, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201404

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; DOMESTIC BATTERY

Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor

Laderrous Edmond

Age: 37

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201409 

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Malik Gross

Age: 25

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201401

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY – AGGRAVATED – W/SERIOUS BODILY INJURY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jerry Hawkins

Age: 34

Residence: East Chicago, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201414

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Gregory Henison

Age: 39

Residence: Highland, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201415

Arrest Date: Feb. 25, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

David Davis

Age: 49

Residence: South Bend, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201411

Arrest Date: Feb. 24, 2022

Offense Description: BURGLARY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Lamont Terrell

Age: 37

Residence: Harvey, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201351

Arrest Date: Feb. 23, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Ashley Wilt

Age: 35

Residence: Cedar Lake, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201341

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

David Sucik

Age: 58

Residence: Parkersburg, WV

Booking Number(s): 2201340

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: ROBBERY; FRAUD – INSTITUTION – BANK/FINANCIAL

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Tiffany Lear

Age: 28

Residence: Lake Station, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201331

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT – FORCIBLY RESISTING

Highest Offense Class: Felony

James Millsap III

Age: 43

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201332

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD – INSTITUTION – BANK/FINANCIAL

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Stephanie Morris

Age: 38

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201333

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Solomon Pryor

Age: 27

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201337

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: DEALING – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Joshua Jensen

Age: 26

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201354

Arrest Date: Feb. 23, 2022

Offense Description: CHILD MOLESTATION – STATUTORY RAPE

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jeremy Johnsen

Age: 39

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201335

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: INTIMIDATION

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Anthony Jones

Age: 35

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201352

Arrest Date: Feb. 23, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Darius Fields

Age: 20

Residence: Glenwood, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201336

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: ROBBERY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jonathan Corbin

Age: 36

Residence: Hammond, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201334

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Samantha Erway

Age: 30

Residence: Rensselaer, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201345

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – METHAMPHETAMINE

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Nicholas Bostic

Age: 30

Residence: Indianapolis, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201353

Arrest Date: Feb. 23, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A FELON

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jaquis Brown

Age: 34

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201358

Arrest Date: Feb. 23, 2022

Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT – VEHICLE

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jalyn Silas

Age: 25

Residence: Phoenix, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201315

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – HANDGUN – W/NO PERMIT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Princess Turner

Age: 29

Residence: Lansing, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201312

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY – AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL; OWI

Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor

Jamarr Robinson

Age: 33

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201326

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD – DECEPTION – IDENTITY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Matthew Mason

Age: 40

Residence: Schererville, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201318

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Darrell McGuire

Age: 28

Residence: Chicago Heights, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201317

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; RESISTING

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Nicole Carnegie

Age: 29

Residence: South Bend, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201320

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY – AGGRAVATED – W/SERIOUS BODILY INJURY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

David Cooper

Age: 54

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s):  2201319

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY – AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Gregory Glenn

Age: 33

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201329

Arrest Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Julie Golembiewski

Age: 43

Residence: Schiller Park, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201310

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Kendyl Nunn

Age: 27

Residence: Calumet City, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201296

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Brian Oliver

Age: 45

Residence: Cedar Lake, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201306

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: RESISTING

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Allison Morey

Age: 28

Residence: Valparaiso, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201301

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE; POSSESSION – METHAMPHETAMINE

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Leslie Hawkins

Age: 34

Residence: Hammond, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201307

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: CONFINEMENT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Anthony Johnson

Age: 45

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201300

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: OPERATING VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Gail McDonald-Reed

Age: 55

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201295

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Jaime Moreno

Age: 36

Residence: Blue Island, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201305

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE – CONVERSION – UNAUTHORIZED CONTROL

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Carly Hansen

Age: 26

Residence: Crown Point, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201299

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT – PROPERTY – FIREARM; POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Jemini Caldwell Jr.

Age: 25

Residence: Hobart, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201298

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Tyquaniesha Bell

Age: 25

Residence: Glenwood, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201308

Arrest Date: Feb. 21, 2022

Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felolny

Donzell Robinson

Age: 65

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201267

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Adam Ruiz

Age: 50

Residence: Dyer, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201291

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Derek Schiola

Age: 50

Residence: Cedar Lake, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201270

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD – DECEPTION – IDENTITY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Joel Ridder

Age: 27

Residence: St. John, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201288

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Dewey Purcell

Age: 61

Residence: Hobart, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201268

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Daniel Randolph

Age: 21

Residence: Glenwood, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201265

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Darius Polk Jr.

Age: 28

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201289

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT – MOTOR VEHICLE – CONVERSION – UNAUTHORIZED CONTROL

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Anthony Jones

Age: 35

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201274

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – FIREARM – BY A FELON

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Randall Lentz

Age: 32

Residence: Lowell, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201272

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Gabrielle Paiva

Age: 24

Residence: Glenwood, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201264

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Elizabeth Hamilton

Age: 44

Residence: Crown Point, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201266

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Elizabeth Hooper

Age: 33

Residence: Hammond, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201269

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; DEALING – METHAMPHETAMINE

Highest Offense Class: Felonies

Christopher Cotharn II

Age: 25

Residence: Canoga Park, CA

Booking Number(s): 2201273

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Jonathan Garcia

Age: 31

Residence: Whiting, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201262

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Julie Barnes

Age: 33

Residence: Dyer, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201281

Arrest Date: Feb. 20, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Michael Cornejo Jr.

Age: 31

Residence: Cedar Lake, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201271

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: POSSESSION – COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Coryana Stanton

Age: 30

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201234

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Ronald Westbrook Jr.

Age: 58

Residence: Hobart, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201239

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: INTIMIDATION – STALKING VIOLATIONS

Highest Offense Class: Felony

John Yelachich Jr.

Age: 49

Residence: Merrillville, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201241

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: BURGLARY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Michael Smith

Age: 60

Residence: Highland, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201226

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Timothy Smalley

Age: 57

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201231

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Falon Sampson

Age: 36

Residence: Lake Station, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201244

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD – DECEPTION – IDENTITY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jeramie Reuhl

Age: 26

Residence: DeMotte, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201245

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Candace Roberts

Age: 33

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201243

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Tamela Robinson

Age: 41

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201232

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Francisco Romero

Age: 35

Residence: Hebron, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201247

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

William Pounders III

Age: 42

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201233

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD – COUNTERFEITING AND APPLICATION FRAUD

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Raymond Reese

Age: 36

Residence: Gary, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201227

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Eyuless Palmer

Age: 41

Residence: Toledo, OH

Booking Number(s): 2201240

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: BATTERY – AGGRAVATED – STRANGULATION

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Javier Mendez

Age: 41

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201230

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: ASSISTING A CRIMINAL

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jacob Owen

Age: 19

Residence: Columbia City, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201237

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Highest Offense Class: Felonuy

Julio Cruz

Age: 27

Residence: Schiller Park, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201238

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: OWI

Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor

Tyler Hanlon

Age: 24

Residence: Merrillville, IN

Booking Number(s): 2201242

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: INTIMIDATION

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Jonathan Lindley

Age: 50

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201236

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: THEFT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Ronald Amador

Age: 36

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201250

Arrest Date: Feb. 19, 2022

Offense Description: CONFINEMENT

Highest Offense Class: Felony

Candace Benjamin

Age: 35

Residence: Chicago, IL

Booking Number(s): 2201235

Arrest Date: Feb. 18, 2022

Offense Description: FRAUD – FORGERY

Highest Offense Class: Felony

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