Mapleton man charged with multiple tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Blue Earth County Attorney’s Office recently charged Terrance Lee Roberts, of Mapleton, with one felony count of willfully failing to file individual income tax returns and one felony count of failing to pay income tax.

According to the complaint, Mr. Roberts failed to file his individual income tax returns or pay income tax for tax years 2019 through 2022. The complaint further alleges that Mr. Roberts has failed to file a state income tax return since at least 2006 despite receiving more than 50 letters from the department about his failure to pay taxes. The complaint states that Mr. Roberts’ employer paid him weekly on a debit-style card and that Mr. Roberts would make cash transfers at various financial institutions and to his spouse while paying his rent and utility bills in cash. Roberts admitted he has never voluntarily made a payment to the department even after all the correspondence he received. According to the complaint, the Mr. Roberts owes over $112,000 in tax, penalties, and interest for tax years 2019 through 2022.

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. 

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