Crosslake couple charged with multiple tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office recently charged Bryan Carl Schindel and Polina Yuryevna Donnik Schindel, both of Crosslake, with four felony counts each of filing false or fraudulent income tax returns and six felony counts each of failing to file sales tax returns.

The complaints state that despite receiving more than 65 letters regarding their tax status, the Schindels misrepresented their taxable income on their income tax returns by underreporting or not reporting income from multiple businesses and short-term rental properties for tax years 2019 through 2022. The complaints state that the Schindels also failed to file sales tax returns for their furniture building business, Timber Creek Productions, and their interior design business, Donnik Design Group LLC. They allegedly failed to file sales tax returns for the rental payments for their two short-term rental properties located in Crow Wing County. According to the complaints, the Schindels owe over $98,000 in sales and income tax, penalties, and interest. 

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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