Owner Of Cuban Restaurant In Union County Admits Evading Taxes

ELIZABETH, NJ — The former owner of a Cuban restaurant in Union County admitted on Wednesday to evading taxes on more than $844,000 in income from his business, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said.

Omar Rodriguez, 49, of Parlin, who owned Mojito Lounge and Restaurant at 525 Bayway Ave. in Elizabeth, pleaded guilty to one count of an information charging him with tax evasion for 2015 through 2017.

Between 2015 and 2017, the Cuban restaurant generated a lot of cash and Rodriguez admitted that he skimmed a large portion of the cash, according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

Rodriguez reportedly used the cash for his personal use, which he did not report as income, and to pay Mojito’s employees and suppliers, according to the report.

During that time frame, Rodriguez made more than $844,000 in income which he failed to report to the IRS. He also failed to report more than $483,000 in cash payroll and to pay certain employment taxes. As a result there was a $193,733 tax loss to the IRS, according to the report.

Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 15.

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