Staten Island Locksmith Charged with Multiple Counts of Tax Fraud
Defendants accused of collecting and stealing sales tax in case involving numerous businesses operating as Pop A Lock
For Release: Immediate,
For media inquiries only, contact: Ryan Cleveland, 518-457-7377
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, along with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, today announced that Anthony Napolitano, of Staten Island, was arraigned on an indictment charging him with grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and multiple counts of criminal tax fraud. Three co-defendants, two of whom are family members of Anthony Napolitano, were also charged with grand larceny and scheme to defraud: Jennifer Olivera (daughter), Anna Napolitano (sister), and Camille Ciaburri (employee). All defendants pleaded not guilty.
It is alleged that the defendants collected approximately $870,000 in sales tax in connection with numerous locksmith and roadside assistance businesses operating out of the same location in Staten Island under the common name "Pop A Lock." Tax Department investigators were able to establish the alleged crimes by analyzing records obtained pursuant to a search warrant executed at the Pop A Lock business location. The investigation revealed that, between December 2007 and November 2019, the business continually collected and failed to remit sales tax to New York State as required by law.
“Business owners who steal sales tax paid by their customers deprive their communities of revenue for vital public programs and services and put law-abiding businesses at a competitive disadvantage,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to uncover tax evasion and level the playing field for all businesses.”
“Defrauding honest customers is always wrong, but it’s particularly egregious when it has the potential to impact people who aren’t involved, like the ordinary taxpayer,” said Albany County Assistant District Attorney Erin Bates. “Stealing sales tax is a serious crime that our investigators pursue diligently. Thank you to everyone who cooperated in this investigation.”
The Albany County District Attorney is prosecuting the case.
Report fraud
You can report tax evasion and fraud online at the Tax Department's website or by phone at 518-457-0578. The information is kept confidential. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.
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