The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police, and the New York State Department of Transportation today announced guilty pleas from the operators of Top Notch Towing in Mahopac, NY.

Frank Inzano, 47, pleaded guilty to multiple felonies including criminal tax fraud, larceny, and attempted weapons possession. His wife Shannon, 42, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges. The couple, both of Carmel, NY, were arrested on May 21, 2019.

Top Notch Towing had a contract with the NYS Department of Transportation to tow vehicles at a set rate from the Taconic Parkway. In response to an allegation of overcharging, New York State Police launched an investigation that determined that the couple had charged exorbitant rates.

State Police executed a search warrant and seized business records, cash, and guns. Tax Department investigators reviewed the couple’s financial records when it became clear they were underreporting income. In several instances, Top Notch charged an insurance company fees far in excess of the amounts shown on invoices, which were provided for the audit.

The investigation, once complete, determined that the Inzanos stole more than $50,000 using fraudulent billing practices, committed tax fraud, and possessed five illegal handguns.

The more than $481,400 seized from the couple’s home by State Police will cover restitution, forfeitures, and unpaid taxes, including penalties and interest for their personal income tax liabilities for four consecutive tax years beginning in 2014.

This case was prosecuted by the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office. Frank Inzano is expected to receive six months in jail followed by five years of probation when he’s sentenced in Putnam County Court on January 14, 2020. Shannon Inzano is expected to receive three years of probation.

New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt said, “Frank and Shannon Inzano criminally evaded their taxes, starving our communities of support for vital public services. We will continue to work with all our partners in law enforcement to hold accountable those who try to game the system by committing tax fraud and other crimes against honest New Yorkers.”

Putnam County District Attorney Robert V. Tendy said, “A collaborative effort between my office, the other state agencies, and members of the insurance industry finally put a stop to Frank and Shannon Inzano stealing from vulnerable motorists, insurance companies, and, most egregiously, fellow New York State taxpayers. Insurance rates for all law-abiding drivers go up when fraud occurs, and my office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute these types of crimes. The guilty pleas in this case will prevent the Inzanos from obtaining contracts from the Department of Transportation in the future.”
 
New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “These guilty pleas and the solid work by law enforcement and our partners, ensure these individuals will no longer be able to take advantage of those who depended on their services. We want to send a message to those who prey on hard-working New Yorkers, we will work together to bring you to justice. Thank you to our state and local partners for their dedication, and we look forward to partnering again to put an end to these types of practices.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The safety and well-being of the traveling public is always a top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation and we have zero tolerance for anyone who violates the law and wrongfully takes advantage of a system intended to help motorists in need.  I commend the hard work of NYSDOT’s Investigations Bureau and that of our partners in government and law enforcement in pursuing this case and ensuring that these individuals did not get away with their scheme.”