ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Mille Lacs County Attorney’s Office recently charged Dixitkumar Baldevbhai Patel, of Cambridge, with one felony count of possessing untaxed cigarette or tobacco products, three felony counts of purchasing cigarette or tobacco products from unlicensed distributors, and one gross misdemeanor count of purchasing cigarette or tobacco products from unlicensed distributors.

According to the complaint, Revenue officials conducted a tobacco retail inspection of Mr. Patel’s Onamia business, Trophy’s Liquor Warehouse, in October 2023. During the inspection they allegedly found tobacco products that were purchased from multiple unlicensed distributors. Revenue officials seized the products, and upon further investigation found that Mr. Patel had previously made multiple purchases of tobacco products from unlicensed distributors. The complaint alleges that Mr. Patel continued making purchases from unlicensed distributors even after the October 2023 inspection and seizure. The complaint states that through these illegal tobacco purchases from May 2022 through March 2024, Mr. Patel evaded paying over $90,000 in tobacco tax. 

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The gross misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This is an example of the department’s ongoing efforts to uniformly enforce the state’s cigarette and tobacco laws. For more information on the tax laws related to tobacco products in Minnesota, visit our website. 

Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the Minnesota Department of Revenue takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects that a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws.  Local callers may dial 651-297-5195 or call toll-free by dialing 1-800-657-3500.  Tips can also be submitted to the department via email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us.  Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. 

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook, Instagram, and on X (formerly Twitter) or by signing up for our email subscription list.