Kristina Marie Stayback, 35, of Rolling Prairie, has been charged in Porter County after an investigation alleged she used her ex-husband’s personal information to file a fraudulent federal tax return and obtain more than $12,000 in tax refund money.  

According to court documents, the investigation began on March 6, 2026, after a man reported that an unauthorized 2025 federal income tax return had been filed using his personal identifying information. The man told police he discovered the issue when he attempted to file his taxes through Jackson Hewitt and was informed that a return had already been submitted through TurboTax.  

Court records state the victim provided a copy of the fraudulent return and advised that the routing and account numbers listed for direct deposit did not belong to him. He also told investigators that a telephone number listed on the return belonged to his ex-wife, Kristina Stayback. Court documents indicate the couple’s divorce was finalized in August 2025 and that the victim had been awarded the right to claim the couple’s three children as dependents.  

According to the probable cause affidavit, records obtained during the investigation identified a TurboTax account allegedly associated with Stayback through an email address, phone number, and device information. Investigators also obtained financial records that allegedly linked the direct deposit account used on the tax return to a PayPal account associated with Stayback.  

Police reported that Stayback denied filing the tax return when contacted by telephone but confirmed her association with a phone number connected to the investigation.  

Court documents allege the fraudulent tax return reflected an anticipated federal refund of approximately $12,478. Investigators reported that financial records showed a direct deposit of approximately $12,518 into a PayPal account associated with Stayback. Authorities stated the money was later spent through withdrawals, transfers, purchases, and payments, leaving only a small remaining balance in the account.  

Based on records obtained from TurboTax, PayPal, and financial institutions, investigators concluded there was probable cause to believe Stayback knowingly used the victim’s identifying information without consent to file the fraudulent tax return and obtain the resulting refund.  

Lodged in the Porter County Jail.

Charges Filed June 12, 2026:

Fraud (Level 6 Felony)

Identity Deception (Level 6 Felony)

Theft (Level 6 Felony)