Milaca business owners charged with multiple tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Sherburne County Attorney’s Office recently charged Robert Edward Spring and Heather Christine Spring, both of Milaca, with three felony counts each of failing to file income tax returns. Mr. Spring was charged with three felony counts of failing to pay sales and use tax while Ms. Spring was charged with four felony counts of failing to pay sales and use tax. 

According to the complaints, Mr. Spring and Ms. Spring own separate businesses that operate out of the same location in Princeton, MN. Despite receiving over 100 letters each from the department about missing tax returns and demands to pay, Mr. Spring and Ms. Spring allegedly failed to pay sales tax for their businesses for multiple periods between May 2019 and August 2022. The complaints state that the Springs also failed to file their individual income tax returns each year from 2019 through 2021. According to the complaints, Mr. Spring owes over $109,000 in unpaid sales 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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