The Brooklyn restaurateur who vanished last week, stranding many couples who planned weddings at his gastropub, was arrested Thursday and charged with tax fraud.
Jason Stevens abruptly closed reBar, was nowhere to be found for a week and allegedly left with up to $ 150,000 in future nuptials deposits.
But a law enforcement source said that he’s been in touch with the authorities and surrendered voluntarily.
“He was never missing,” said the source. “We knew where he was. He was in the state.”
Stevens was charged with larceny and tax fraud, both felonies, for allegedly skipping on tax payments for his DUMBO restaurant between June 2009 and Dec. 2012, court records show.
ReBar failed to pay taxed in an amount that exceeded $ 250,000, according to the criminal complaint.
Stevens, who was released Thursday morning after posting a $ 30,000 bail, is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
His lawyer Allan Bahn declined comment.
As the Daily News first reported, the investigation started in April 2013 when agents from Brooklyn’s district attorney’s office, along with city and state financial officials, raided reBar and left with computers and business records.
It’s unclear if Stevens will also be charged with the alleged theft that allegedly happened after he shuttered his chic, industrial-style space last Friday.
“That’s separate,” said a source.
A DA spokeswoman didn’t comment on the prospect of future charges.
Employees at reBar have said they are still waiting for their last paycheck and numerous couples who planned weddings at the popular spot have been scrambling. Some businesses have been offering discounted packages to those affected.
oyaniv@nydailynews.com
http://ift.tt/1lEKfsR
via Great Local News: New York http://ift.tt/1iZiLP1
No comments:
Post a Comment