The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the former owner and operator of two used auto sales businesses in Erie County has pleaded guilty to sales tax evasion.

Christopher R. Glinski, 39, who used to live in Lancaster, NY, and now resides in South Carolina, pleaded guilty to Tax Fraud in the 4th Degree, a felony.

Glinski’s company, Octane Enterprises, Inc., controlled two dealerships that operated under the name Octane Auto Sales and Service: one was at 1721 Transit Road, the other at 6535 Seneca Street, both in Elma. He no longer owns these businesses.

An investigation by the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division found that for the years 2012 through 2015, the defendant collected $143,243 in sales tax from his customers but failed to remit those funds to the State as required by law. At sentencing, expected to take place on June 22, Glinski could face up to four years in prison.

“When merchants collect tax on automobile sales from customers and fail to remit the tax, they’re stealing from the state and the local communities that depend on the sales tax revenue to fund critical public programs and services,” said Acting Tax Commissioner Nonie Manion. “We thank the Erie County District Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

For more about motor vehicle-related sales tax obligations, see the NYS Tax Department’s Automobile dealers webpage.

New Yorkers aware of sales tax evasion or fraud can anonymously report it online or by calling 518-457-0578. The Tax Department takes this type of illegal activity seriously, promptly reviews each complaint, and takes corrective action when appropriate.