St. Cloud couple charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Stearns County Attorney’s Office recently charged Mary Clare Olson and Robin Gerald Olson, both of St. Cloud, with 24 tax-related felonies each. Ms. Olson is charged with:

• 11 felony counts of failing to file withholding tax returns
• 11 felony counts of failing to pay withholding tax
• 2 felony counts of failing to file W2 tax returns

Mr. Olson is charged with:

• 11 felony counts of aiding in the failure to file withholding tax returns
• 11 felony counts of aiding in the failure to pay withholding tax
• 2 felony counts of aiding in the failure to file W2 tax returns

According to the complaints, Ms. Olson owned and operated Mary Clare Olson Agency Co, a business established to provide in-home health care. From the first quarter of 2018 through the third quarter of 2020, Ms. Olson, with assistance from Mr. Olson, allegedly failed to file quarterly withholding tax returns and failed to remit the taxes withheld from her employees’ paychecks. Ms. Olson allegedly told investigators that Mr. Olson does the accounting for the business. However, the complaints allege that bank records indicate that both were aware of withholding requirements as they both signed checks to the Internal Revenue Service for federal withholding taxes. The Olsons allegedly failed to remit more than $25,500 in withholding taxes.

Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. There is 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.