Baxter man charged with tobacco-related tax crime

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office recently charged Ronald William Beattie Jr., of Baxter, with one felony count of possessing untaxed tobacco products.

According to the complaint, Revenue Tax Specialists conducted a random tobacco retail inspection of a business in Brainerd which was owned by Mr. Beattie. During the inspection they allegedly found a substantial amount of tobacco products with no related invoices. Tobacco retailers are required by law to keep invoices for all tobacco products on the premises as proof they were purchased from a licensed distributor and properly taxed. The Revenue Tax Specialists cataloged and seized the tobacco products and explained to Mr. Beattie his right to contest the seizure. The complaint states that Mr. Beattie did not appeal the seizure. According to the complaint, it was determined that the unpaid tax on the tobacco products was over $1,900.

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail, a $10,000 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.

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