The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the owner of River Beaver LLC, a restaurant that operated at Beaver Island Clubhouse, 2136 West Oakfield Road, in Grand Island, NY, pleaded guilty to a felony count of criminal tax fraud for failing to pay sales tax collected from customers.
 
Between August 2015 and August 2017, owner Patrick Wirth collected $56,976 in sales tax from the customers of his banquet facility located at the Beaver Island State Park and failed to pay to New York State as required by law.

Wirth, 28, of 98 Riverview Court, Grand Island, pleaded guilty in Erie County Court on June 14, 2019. He paid restitution of $15,000 at that time, leaving a balance of about $42,000.

“Honest taxpayers trust that business owners will hold up their end of the deal and remit the sales tax they collect,” said Executive Deputy Commissioner Andrew Morris. “When that trust is violated, it deprives communities and the state of revenue needed for vital services. We’ll continue to ensure that those who ignore their tax obligations are held accountable.”

The case was referred to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s Criminal Investigations Division by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which had conducted an internal audit of the business. The Erie County District Attorney’s office prosecuted the case.

Wirth faces a sentence of up to seven years in prison. He’s due back in Erie County Court for sentencing on September 3, 2019.

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.