Dezyns Owner Arrested on Felony Tax Fraud Charges

Ronald Adolf, owner and operator of a jewelry store located on Elm Street, was arrested April 16 on a felony sales tax charge.

An investigation by the tax department revealed that Adolf collected more than $50,000 in sales tax from customers between March 1, 2002, and Feb. 28, 2007, but he allegedly did not remit any of that money to the state.

The investigation also revealed that Ronnie's Dezyns, Ltd. was registered as a sales-tax vendor but never filed any sales tax returns,  according to New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Jamie Woodward.

Adolf, 54, of 68 Central Street, Huntington, was charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony. He was released on $1,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for June 15 in the First District Court. If convicted, Adolf faces up to 15 years in prison.

"Those who commit tax fraud deprive the state and local governments of needed revenue that support education, health care and transportation," Acting Commissioner Woodward said.

"The State offers programs such as the Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program to encourage delinquent taxpayers to become compliant without facing criminal prosecution or civil penalty. For more information about these programs, go to the Department's website at www.nystax.gov."

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas A. Spota said, "Since October of 2005, our Tax Fraud Prosecution Unit has worked exclusively on the investigation and prosecution of tax cheats in Suffolk County. To date, we have secured over $5 million dollars in restitution to the Suffolk County and state treasuries. Our partnership with the state tax department will continue to focus on attaining justice for the majority of taxpayers in Suffolk who pay their taxes and obey the law."