A Muttontown man was arrested Tuesday for failing to give the state and county nearly $800,000 in sales and gasoline tax he collected at his Syosset gas station and auto repair shop, Nassau prosecutors said.
Michael Ferrari, 43, was charged with grand larceny and faces up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.
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Between March 2002 and February 2007, Ferrari, the owner of a gas station on Jackson Avenue and Ferrari’s Auto Repair, failed to remit the taxes to both New York State and Nassau County, Nassau prosecutors said. The total amount stolen is $794,475.97, according to New York State Department of Taxation and Finance officials.
“Mr. Ferrari stole from every honest taxpayer out there who is working hard and playing by the rules,” said Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice in a statement. “He lined his pockets with our hard-earned tax dollars and I’m not going to rest until he pays every last cent back to us.”
Ferrari’s attorney, Bernard Mark of Great Neck-based Kestenbaum & Mark, was not immediately available for comment.
“Stealing sales tax robs honest people of money that supports education, transportation and health services,” said Jamie Woodward, acting commissioner of the state tax department. “This arrest serves as a warning to those who believe tax fraud is profitable and illustrates our commitment to aggressively pursue tax criminals.”
But when the goverment gets hold of the tax money,it’s OK for them to steal it?If every goverment employee,from the garbage man to the President was 100% accountable our taxes would be 10X smaller.This is why the goverment doesn’t want you to steal….they don’t like the competition!
I have used Mike and his services for as long as I can remember. He has always been honest and he runs one of the best stations around. He’s there every hour of the day. I can honestly recall when my car broke down and he came to tow me and I was over an hour away from his shop. I wish Mike the best of luck, he is truely a honest and wonderful man. Sorry this had to happen to him.
maybe he just sucks at accounting… Mikes an honest guy
J&M is Terrible.
Mike Ferrari is, without a doubt, the most honest mechanic with whom I have ever worked. I will continue to use his service. He has earned my trust and I wish him the best of luck!