News From The Ohio Department of Taxation: Ohio Businessman Pleads in Criminal Tax Case.Business Editors COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 23, 2001 A former New Philadelphia New Philadelphia, city (1990 pop. 15,698), seat of Tuscarawas co., E Ohio, on the Tuscarawas River, in a coal and clay area; founded 1804, inc. 1833. Foundry products, machinery, and pottery are made. The Tuscarawas Campus of Kent State Univ. is there. mobile home dealer pleaded not guilty Thursday (April 19) in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Trial-level courts of general jurisdiction. One of the royal common-law courts in England existing since the beginning of the thirteenth century and developing from the Curia Regis, or the King's Court. Court to tax and theft charges, including failing to remit sales taxes between 1995 and 1999. Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT See SCO Open Desktop. ODT - Open Desktop ) officials believe it is the largest criminal sales tax case in Ohio history. The charges against Steven D. Schwartz, formerly owner of Schwartz, Inc., were returned in a secret indictment by a Tuscarawas County Grand Jury on March 15. Schwartz is specifically charged with five counts of failing to remit sales tax, five counts of filing false or fraudulent tax returns with intent to defraud To make a Misrepresentation of an existing material fact, knowing it to be false or making it recklessly without regard to whether it is true or false, intending for someone to rely on the misrepresentation and under circumstances in which such person does rely on it to his or , six counts of aggravated ag·gra·vate tr.v. ag·gra·vat·ed, ag·gra·vat·ing, ag·gra·vates 1. To make worse or more troublesome. 2. To rouse to exasperation or anger; provoke. See Synonyms at annoy. theft, 12 counts of grand theft and two counts of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. All charges relate to taxes. The amount of sales tax that Schwartz allegedly collected but did not remit remains confidential tax information until it becomes a matter of public record through the court proceedings. If convicted of all counts, Schwartz could be fined a minimum of $80,000 and sentenced to a minimum of 50 years in prison. "This is a complex case that we've investigated for more than two years," Ohio Tax Commissioner Thomas Zaino said of the charges against Schwartz. "We hope this will alert other Ohio businesses of how serious a responsibility it is to remit the sales taxes they collect -- and how much trouble can ensue en·sue intr.v. en·sued, en·su·ing, en·sues 1. To follow as a consequence or result. See Synonyms at follow. 2. To take place subsequently. if they don't." The case was investigated by the ODT Criminal Enforcement Division and auditors from the ODT Zanesville District Office. Zaino praised Tuscarawas County Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Spies Bornhorst and New Philadelphia Police for their assistance in the case. The matter is expected to go to trial in about nine months. Schwartz resides in Key West, Fla., where he was free to return while the case is pending. |
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