Farmington man charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Dakota County Attorney’s Office recently charged Don Leland Christensen, of Farmington, with four gross misdemeanor counts of knowingly failing to file income tax returns and three gross misdemeanor counts of knowingly failing to pay income tax.

According to the complaint, Mr. Christensen knowingly failed to file income tax returns from 2014 through 2017, and knowingly failed to pay income tax from 2015 through 2017. During an interview with investigators, the complaint states that Mr. Christensen knew of his obligation to file income tax returns and pay income tax each year.  At the time of the investigation, Mr. Christensen allegedly owed nearly $43,000 in state income tax.

Each tax-related gross misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $3,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. 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 by 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 and Twitter or by signing up for our email subscription list.