Minnesota Department of Revenue and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office announce tax charges for an Edina man

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office announced that Brian Alanis Ramos, of Edina, is charged with one felony count of failing to file a withholding tax return and one felony count of failing to pay withholding tax.  

The complaint states that the charges stem from a wage theft case that was charged in Ramsey County in September 2025. In that case, multiple people were charged with felony counts of wage theft, insurance fraud, and tax evasion in connection with a 2024 Phase 1 project for roofing and gutter replacement work at the McDonough Town Homes, which offers public housing through the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency.

According to the complaint, Mr. Ramos owns a business, Limanis Remodeling & Exteriors, that was brought in as roofing and gutter subcontractor for the McDonough Town Homes Phase 2 project in June 2025. The complaint alleges that Mr. Ramos submitted prevailing wage documentation identifying 18 Limanis employees working on the construction project. This documentation included hours worked, wages, and state and federal withholding information for each employee. However, Mr. Ramos allegedly failed to file the corresponding Minnesota withholding tax return and failed to pay the withholding tax. 

The complaint states that department investigators reviewed 188 checks that Mr. Ramos claimed were given to employees as wage compensation. The checks in question were determined not to be drawn from the business bank account for Limanis. Banking records allegedly showed that checks and withdrawals from the business account largely went for Mr. Ramos’ personal use as well as payments to businesses and individuals associated with his extended family. 

Mr. Ramos allegedly owes more than $45,000 in withholding tax, penalties, and interest.

“A lot of time and effort goes into bringing tax fraud cases likes these to charge,” said Revenue Criminal Investigation Division Director Melanie Leslie. “The department appreciates the collaboration and cooperation of the multiple state and local government entities that participated in this investigation. These charges are just another example of the commitment we all have in protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that Minnesota’s tax laws are applied equally to all.”

"What started as an investigation into workers not receiving the wages they earned, investigative diligence uncovered evidence of additional criminal conduct,” said Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. “As one of several cases stemming from this complex investigation, this case highlights the value of collaboration between our wage theft investigator and the Minnesota Department of Revenue. We remain committed to protecting workers and public funds."

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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