Rochester man charged with multiple tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office recently charged Christian Quinonez, of Rochester, with two felony counts of filing false or fraudulent individual income tax returns, three felony counts of failing to file individual income tax returns, and five counts of failing to pay income tax. 

According to the complaint, Mr. Quinonez filed fraudulent individual income tax returns by not reporting his business income for his two drywall businesses for tax years 2019 and 2020. He also failed to file income tax returns for tax years 2021 through 2023 and failed to pay income tax for tax years 2019 through 2023. The complaint alleges that department investigators determined through banking transactions, loan applications, gambling wagers, as well as contractor deposits from his two drywall businesses, that Mr. Quinonez earned enough taxable income to be required to file income tax returns and pay income tax in Minnesota during those years. Mr. Quinonez allegedly owes over $200,000 in income tax. 

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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